Why Do People Migrate? Part 2: Theories

The course approaches migration as a constant phenomenon in human history and examines its main supporting theories. It illustrates theories about people's individual decisions to migrate and also the factors of migration as a structural feature of our societies. It explains the role social networks and institutions play in making people move to another country, or return to their own. Finally, it includes interviews with international experts that describe how migration theories can help to understand some topical case studies of labour migrations in the world.

The course is based on video lectures, didactic videos and podcast interviews with international experts. Assignments consist of short quizzes for each unit and a journal exercise at the end of the course. Suggestions for further reading will be included in order to achieve a more in-depth understanding.

To learn more about irregular migration and asylum seeking, check out Part 1: Facts

CHAPTER 1 – MIGRATION AS A GLOBAL PHENOMENON
Unit 1.1 – Migration in human history
Unit 1.2 – Contemporary trends

CHAPTER 2 - WHY MIGRATION STARTS?
Unit 2.1 – Migration as a choice
Unit 2.2 – Migration as a consequence

CHAPTER 3 – WHY MIGRATION CONTINUES?
Unit 3.1 – The importance of networks
Unit 3.2 – The role of institutions
Unit 3.2 – Return migration

CHAPTER 4 – EXAMPLES
Unit 5.1 – Migration and development in Africa
Unit 5.2 – Care and domestic workers in Italy
Unit 5.4 – Indian migrants in Gulf region