Aspiration, desire and drivers of migration

Abstract

Introducing a special journal issue by the same title, this article provides a foundation for seven other articles with a theoretical mission to better understand the forces and frictions through which migration comes about and is experienced. The collection seeks to contribute to migration theory by considering crosscutting themes related to the concepts of aspiration, desire and drivers of migration. This introductory article locates the three concepts within the development of migration scholarship. First, we show how a reappraisal of theory is grounded in influential developments in migration scholarship, such as the transnational turn, feminist approaches and, more recently, a growing theoretical interest in emotions and temporalities. Second, we examine the ways in which 'aspiration' and 'desire' have figured in migration theory. Sometimes treated as synonyms, the terms both belong to a broader semantic field of potentiality, yet connect with different theoretical approaches. Third, we address the rise of 'drivers of migration' as an analytical concept, noting how it seems to be replacing 'causes' and 'determinants' in the literature.

Who’s About to Leave? A Global Survey of Aspirations and Intentions to Migrate

“…Some scholars have voiced criticisms regarding the inconsistent ways in which past studies have dealt with migration aspirations and intentions (Williams et al, ). Indeed, Carling and Collins identify 15 terms that were broadly meant to capture “potentiality in migration” (Carling and Collins, , p. 10). Precisely because of the multifaceted nature of aspirations and intentions to migrate, some surveys such as the Gallup World Poll unpack them through a series of questions.…”

“…Aspirations and intentions to migrate have been analysed from both qualitative and quantitative angles (Docquier et al, 2014;Thulin and Vilhelmson, 2016;Gubert and Senne, 2016;Van Hear et al, 2017;Carling and Schewel, 2017;Carling and Collins, 2017;Dao et al, 2018;Williams et al, 2018). Many quantitative studies have tapped into the Gallup World Poll (among others, see Esipova et al, 2011;Docquier et al, 2014;Esipova et al, 2016;Cai et al, 2014;Bertoli and Ruyssen, 2018;Dao et al, 2018;Tjaden et al, 2018), but other examples have focused on, e.g.…”

Forced to leave? The discursive and analytical significance of describing migration as forced and voluntary

“…For the majority of migrants from Afghanistan and Pakistan, entering Europe happens without valid entry visas, making their journeys precarious. They tend to circumvent border controls, planning once in Europe to, as in Amir's case, apply for asylum or, as in the case of Parvez, who lacked clear strategies but had clear aspirations, become regularised (Abdin and Erdal 2016;Carling and Collins 2017).…”

“…Can migration studies grapple with the drivers of migration and their connection to aspirations and desires (Carling and Collins 2017) without addressing the volition involved in migration? Whilst our fieldwork observations rightly encourage us to emphasise complexity, we, as migrations scholars, cannot -and should not -simply leave the discussion there.…”

Introduction: Syrian Refugees – Facing Challenges, Making Choices

“…The contextual factors that underlie the various types and patterns of (non‐forced or forced) migration differ dramatically. Nevertheless, from the perspective of the people who are doing the moving (especially across international borders), a common element is the decision to move itself – which is almost always taken after facing significant (economic, social, political) challenges – plus decisions about where and how to move, and what to do after moving (de Jong and Gardner, ; Carling and Collins, ). And for migrants or refugees, once the post‐migration stage is reached – typically at the end of a difficult journey that has proceeded through many stages – decision‐making remains central; in debates over settlement, integration, naturalization and potential re‐migration or return.…”