Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
5.3 MIGRATION,
TRANSNATIONALISM
AND DEVELOPMENT
This chapter deals with the main characteristics and features of the
migration of people in contemporary times, and the consequences of
migrants' decisions for the source and destination societies and
their economies. Both internal and international mobility is dis-
cussed and, in addition to discussing the main types of movement,
the developmental consequences of migration are given specific
attention.
First, migration in its many varied forms is detailed. As a primary
factor of production, migrant labour must obviously be considered for
its developmental impacts and consequences. Particular attention is
then paid to a recent form of international movement conceptualized
as transnationalism, because this flexible form of cross-border mobil-
ity is being practised more and more often in response to the globaliz-
ing world. The global-to-local forces underway that are impacting
millions of lives are also rendering national boundaries less meaning-
ful in terms of such mobile people's identity formation and territorial
affiliation(s). Multiple citizenship is replacing unitary citizenship for
many, as dual passports become advantageous for transnationally
mobile professionals and global workers (Stalker 2000; Faist and
Kivisto, 2007).
The migration-development nexus of interrelationships is next
examined. This is because the increasing influence of migrant-donated
remittances in the development and growth of the home communi-
ties they have left is currently viewed as a very important develop-
ment factor (Newland, 2007). Both economic (monetary) and social
remittances are discussed, because their growing value and broaden-
ing scope of impacts are becoming more appreciated than in times
past.
