Chain Migration Ethnic Neighborhood Formation and Social Networks

Abstract

Migration is patently more complex than that merely mechanical reshuffling of heads which is assumed by crude economic push-pull models. Numerous contemporary studies in Africa, Asia and Latin America pay attention to the sociological factors involved in induction of manpower into growing economies. This paper draws attention to the possibilities of illuminating current problems by historical studies. The vast documentary material on the sociology of and labor force reorganization in the past in Europe and North America is largely neglected by current studies. From the standpoint of organization, may occur in several ways. Among these are two contrasting extremes: chain migration and organized migration.l Chain can be defined as that movement in which prospective migrants learn of opportunities, are provided with transportation, and have initial accommodation and employment arranged by means of primary social relationships with previous migrants. Chain is thus distinct from impersonally organized