2,000 Families: identifying the research potential of an origins-of-migration study

Despite recent advances, critical areas in the analysis of European migration remain underdeveloped. We have only a limited understanding of the consequences of migration for migrants and their descendants, relative to staying behind; and our insights of intergenerational transmission is limited to two generations of those living in the destination countries. These limitations stem from a paucity of studies that incorporate comparison with non-migrants – and return migrants – in countries of origin and which trace processes of intergenerational transmission over multiple generations. This paper outlines the theoretical and methodological discussions in the field, design and data of the 2,000 Families study. The study comprises almost 50,000 members of migrant and non-migrant Turkish families across three family generations, living in Turkey and eight European countries. We provide indicative findings from the study, framed within a theoretical perspective of “dissimilation” from origins, and reflect on its potential for future migration research

Out of Africa: what drives the pressure to emigrate?

Migration, Intentions, Selection, Networks, F22, O52, P2,

International Migrations in Europe : New trends, new methods of analysis

Over the past twenty years international migration issues have gained a growing importance in public debate in most of the European countries. Public opinions are more and more concerned about the arrival of new immigrants and about the problems of integration processes. International Migration in Europe addresses some of the new aspects of European international migration. Different aspects are considered and different disciplinary perspectives are used in the fifteen chapters. In particular, attention has been devoted to analyse new forms of migration, the evolution of regional patterns, the intergenerational process of migrant integration and the use of special survey in migration studies

Bogus refugees? The determinants of asylum migration to Western Europe

This article analyses the determinants of asylum migration to Western Europe. Potential asylum seekers balance the costs of staying versus the costs of migrating. Estimation results confirm that economic hardship and economic discrimination against ethnic minorities lead to higher flows of asylum seekers. However, political oppression, human rights abuse, violent conflict and state failure are also important determinants. Migration networks and geographical proximity are important facilitators of asylum flows as predicted by theory. Colonial experience, religious similarity and casual contact with the developed world (aid, trade and tourism) are not. Natural disasters and famines are also not statistically significant determinants. These events are typically short-term and unexpected, whereas asylum migration to Western Europe requires preparatory planning. If Western European countries want to tackle the root causes of asylum migration, then they need to undertake policy measures that promote economic development, democracy, respect for human rights and peaceful conflict resolution in countries of origin