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International migration, and the corresponding increases in ethnic diversity and transnationalism around the world are defining phenomena of the 21st century. Major trends like climate change, demographic transitions, shifts in the global distribution of wealth, and increasing violent conflict, as well as the ever-present aspirations of people for a better live elsewhere, will likely lead to increasing levels of international migration in the coming decades. This seminar takes stock of what sociological thinking can contribute to understanding these processes. We discuss different approaches to answering questions such as: Why do people migrate? Who migrates where (and who does not)? What barriers are there to international migration? How do migrants integrate in destination societies? Is migration a process with a clear end point, or are there permanent forms of transnationalism? What are the consequences of immigration for receiving societies? How do institutions, societal actors and individuals there react to immigration? What are the hurdles faced by immigrants and their descendants in the new country? And finally, what role do racism and colonial legacies play in shaping these processes? In engaging with these questions, we emphasize the explanatory sociological mechanisms proposed by various approaches. By the end of the seminar participants will have a sound overview of relevant mechanisms in the sociology of international migration. The seminar is structured around reading theoretical proposals, as well as qualitative and quantitative research studies from around the world. Participants should have a sound command of English, the motivation to engage with research literature, and at least a passive understanding of statistical methodologies and research designs. |
