Academic Writing 210 2023/24 Main Campus - The Complex Dynamics of Migration PDF

(BATCH 1) Academic Writing 210 2023/24 Main Campus. The Complex Dynamics of Migration Migration has become an increasingly important global phenomenon, with far-reaching implications for both individuals and societie...

(BATCH 1) Academic Writing 210 2023/24 Main Campus. The Complex Dynamics of Migration Migration has become an increasingly important global phenomenon, with far-reaching implications for both individuals and societies. As people move across borders or within countries in search of better opportunities, the impacts on poverty, inequality, and development are complex and often intertwined. Migration is a multifaceted phenomenon that significantly influences poverty, inequality, and development in both sending and receiving countries, with its effects varying based on factors such as gender, education, and urbanization trends. (Thesis Statement) One of the most significant aspects of migration is its potential to alleviate poverty. Remittances, which are funds sent by migrants to their families in their home countries, have become a substantial source of external income for developing nations. In 2013, remittances to developing countries amounted to an impressive 414 billion dollars (Margolis et al., 2015). Unlike traditional forms of development assistance, these funds are directly paid to households, potentially having a substantial impact on the welfare of recipient families in impoverished regions. However, the relationship between migration and inequality is less straightforward. While there is a general consensus that remittances can lead to a reduction in poverty, their effects on inequality are more debated. Margolis et al. (2015) suggest that “over time, migration flows can lead to the formation of dense networks in receiving countries and improved information in sending countries” (p.67). This process can reduce the cost of future migration and potentially decrease inequality by allowing poorer households to send migrants abroad or to other towns. The authors propose an inverse V-shaped relationship between emigration and inequality, supported by both theoretical and empirical research. The role of education in migration and poverty reduction is another crucial aspect to consider. Weber et al. (2007) highlight that education is a key determinant of economic well-being for both individuals and places. Improving the quality of education and encouraging students to stay in school is a potential strategy for reducing poverty and raising local well-being. However, the authors also point out that outmigration to metro areas can be an obstacle to this strategy, as it may prevent local human capital levels from reaching the threshold required to attract new industry or encourage expansion in the existing economic base. Gender also plays a significant role in migration patterns and their impacts. Lansink (2009) notes that women are increasingly moving as independent labor migrants, seeking job opportunities, pursuing short-term or long- term work contracts, or migrating for study purposes. The Global Commission on Migration (GCM) has observed regional and sub-regional differences in international migration patterns, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, where many migrant women are employed on short- term contracts and return to their home countries upon completion. Pietrellis and Scaramozzino (2019) challenge the traditional approach to understanding migration, which assumes that individuals choose to migrate based solely on the expectation of earning better wages at their destination. The authors argue for a more nuanced understanding that considers migration as a household- level decision, with some members remaining in the region of origin while others migrate and pool resources with their family. This perspective highlights the importance of considering the risks associated with migration decisions, rather than focusing solely on expected wage differentials. ( Example of block indent) Urbanization is another critical factor in the migration landscape. With the majority of the world's population now living in cities and projections suggesting that two-thirds of the global population will reside in urban areas by 2050, rapid urbanization presents significant challenges for city governments (Pietrellis & Scaramozzino, 2019). While urban areas generally offer better employment opportunities, labor markets often struggle to absorb fast-growing populations. Moreover, there has been an increasing trend of political violence in developing cities, sometimes triggered by economic circumstances or ethnic tensions. In conclusion, migration is a complex phenomenon with multifaceted impacts on poverty, inequality, and development. While remittances can play a crucial role in poverty alleviation, the effects on inequality are less clear-cut. Education, gender, and urbanization trends all contribute to shaping the outcomes of migration for individuals, households, and societies. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, understanding these dynamics is essential for developing effective policies that harness the potential benefits of migration while addressing its challenges. References: Lansink, A. (2009). Migration and development: The contribution of women migrant workers to poverty alleviation. Agenda: Gender & Poverty Reduction - Empowering Women for Gender Equity, 81(4) 126-136. Margolis, D. N., Miotti, L., Mouhoud, E. M., & Oudinet, J. (2015). "To Have and Have Not": International Migration, Poverty, and Inequality in Algeria. The Scandinavian Journal of Economics, 117(2), 650-685. Pietrellis, R., & Scaramozzino, P. (2019). Internal Migration and Vulnerability to Poverty in Tanzania. Population and Development Review, 45(3), 525-547. Weber, B., Marre, A., Fisher, M., Gibbs, R., & Cromartie, J. (2007). Education's Effect on Poverty: The Role of Migration. Review of Agricultural Economics, 29(3), 437-44  (BATCH 2) Academic Writing 210 2023/24 Main Campus. Narcissism Narcissism has long been a subject of interest in psychology, with its roots tracing back to ancient Greek mythology (Lilienfeld & Arkowitz, 2013). The concept has evolved from Freud's initial characterization as a sexual perversion to a more nuanced understanding of contemporary psychology (Lilienfeld & Arkowitz, 2013). Today, narcissism is viewed as a multifaceted trait that exists on a spectrum, ranging from healthy self-esteem to potentially pathological levels. Narcissism, a psychological trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for admiration, has both positive and negative implications for individuals and society, manifesting in various forms and intensities across the population. (Thesis Statement) One crucial distinction in the study of narcissism is between social narcissism and pathological narcissism. Social narcissism, as described by Hatemi and Fazekas (2018), is conceptualized as a normally distributed trait in the population. This form of narcissism emphasizes grandiose aspects, including arrogance, demand for attention, exploitation, aggression, and dominance. In contrast, pathological narcissism, which is much rarer, focuses more on the vulnerable aspects, such as fragile self- esteem and emotional instability (Hatemi & Fazekas, 2018). The core features of narcissism include a grandiose sense of self, belief in one's specialness, and a need for attention and admiration from others (Pauletti et al., 2012). It is important to note that narcissism is distinct from high self-esteem. While self- esteem is an evaluation of the actual self, narcissism is a chronic motivation to obtain social approval and admiration to nourish the grandiose self (Pauletti et al., 2012). Research has shown that narcissism can have both positive and negative qualities. On the positive side, individuals higher in narcissism tend to be more confident, extraverted, innovative, and self-sufficient (Hatemi & Fazekas, 2018). They often possess advanced interpersonal skills, including charisma, which can be beneficial in leadership roles. However, the negative aspects of narcissism are significant. Narcissistic individuals often display troublesome personality characteristics such as arrogance, conceit, intolerance, hostility, lack of empathy, and aggressiveness (Pauletti et al., 2012). These traits can lead to problematic interpersonal relationships and difficulties in various social contexts. The advent of digital technology and social media has introduced new dimensions to the study of narcissism. Perakyla (2015) suggests the concept of "digital narcissism," which explores how social media platforms provide increased opportunities for pursuing narcissistic goals. The ability to manage one's personal profile on social media offers a larger potential audience for self-expression, but it also creates a more competitive environment for attention-seeking behaviors (Perakyla, 2015). Baumeister and Vohs (2001) propose an interesting perspective on narcissism, comparing it to an addiction to esteem. They argue that narcissists may be more susceptible to cravings for approval from others, similar to how addicts yield to desires for physical pleasure. The focus of this "addiction" appears to be on maintaining a grand view of self, with the admiration of others serving as a means to create the desired satisfaction (Baumeister & Vohs, 2001). It is crucial to recognize that narcissism exists on a continuum, and some level of self-regard is healthy and necessary for psychological well-being. The challenge lies in distinguishing between healthy self-esteem and problematic narcissistic tendencies. As Perakyla (2015) notes, a clear distinction needs to be made between ordinary or healthy narcissism and more extreme forms that can be harmful to oneself and others. In conclusion, narcissism is a complex psychological trait with far-reaching implications for individual behavior and social interactions. While often viewed negatively, narcissism can have both positive and negative consequences depending on its intensity and manifestation. As our understanding of narcissism continues to evolve, particularly in the context of digital environments, it is essential to maintain a nuanced perspective on this multifaceted aspect of human psychology. References Baumeister, R. F., & Vohs, K. D. (2001). Narcissism as Addiction to Esteem. Psychological Enquiry, 12(4), 206-210. Hatemi, P. K., & Fazekas, Z. (2018). Narcissism and Political Orientations. American Journal of Political Science, 62(4), 873-888. Lilienfeld, S. O., & Arkowitz, H. (2013). All About Me. Scientific American Mind, 23(6), 64-65. Pauletti, R. E., Menon, M., Menon, M., Tobin, D. D., & Perry, D. G. (2012). Narcissism and Adjustment in Preadolescence Child. Development, 83(3), 831-837. Perakyla, A. (2015). From Narcissism to Face Work: Two Views on the Self in Social Interaction. American Journal of Sociology, 121(2), 445-474.