Sociological Theories of International Migration: The Case of Refugees

Abstract

Sociological theories of international migration (including refugees) should be capable of explaining the scale, direction and composition of population movements that cross state boundaries, the factors which determine the decision to move and the choice of destination, the characteristic modes of social integration in the receiving country and the eventual outcome, including remigration and return movements. Studies of international migration have not attempted such an ambitious agenda. Research has generally focused on specific aspects, such as the demographic characteristics of immigrants, migration decision-making, economic and social adaptation in receiving countries, the policies of sending and receiving countries, or global trends in population movement. Empirical studies have been conducted on an ad hoc basis, largely uninformed by developments in general sociological theory.