Migration History: Multidisciplinary Approaches

Theoretical and Methodological Approaches to Understanding Human Migration Patterns and their Utility in Forensic Human Identification Cases

“…While this assumption is accommodated by the complex economic migration models (e.g., labor-flow), Lee's (1966 [10]) push/pull causal factors may have more practical value in forensic contexts since the factors are clearly defined and correlate with amenities important to many individuals (e.g., social programs, climate). Similarly, recent research trends in migration studies of modern societies have focused on more contemporary themes (e.g., the effect of globalization on migration patterns) [2,129].…”

“…The answer to this question frequently depends on who is asking the question. For example, the anthropologist studies migration to explain biological changes and the transmission of cultural and linguistic traits at the populational level [1], whereas historians analyze cycles of continuity and change to understand migration processes and their implications, and also to correct misinterpretations [2]. Geneticists study human dispersal patterns to determine and explain genetic variation between populations [3].…”

“…Studies of human migration have been dominated by researchers in three areas: anthropology, sociology, and history [2]. While the anthropological approach to migration has culled data from numerous subdisciplines (e.g., archaeology, ethnology, cultural anthropology) into theoretical frameworks based on climatology, genetics, and cultural systems such as marriage and kin, these models have tended to focus on early, non-literate societies [2].…”

“…While the anthropological approach to migration has culled data from numerous subdisciplines (e.g., archaeology, ethnology, cultural anthropology) into theoretical frameworks based on climatology, genetics, and cultural systems such as marriage and kin, these models have tended to focus on early, non-literate societies [2]. The sociological approach to analyzing contemporary migration patterns has generated a considerable number of economic, demographic, social, and policy-oriented theoretical models, most of which overlap to some extent.…”

Chinese Activism of a Different Kind

“…Many analysts have noted that existing migration theories and models are not sufficient for providing theoretical explanations for the causes of international migration and refugee flows, and have argued that migration studies in general is in danger of being left behind by recent theoretical developments (Moon, 1995;Brettell and Hollifield, 2000;Portes and DeWind, 2007;Lucassen et al, 2010). More case studies that give emphasis to the actual decision-making process of migration and refugee flows would contribute a crucial element toward explaining migration.…”