Migration hump refers to the short term influx in migration instilled by trade and economic policies as compared to the expected migration trend without such initiatives. The migration hump theory, coined by Martin and Taylor in 1996, articulates that trade and migration are complimentary in short or medium term and substitutes in long term. Since 1991, there is growing recognition of the fact that the poorest countries are not the sending nations. People need resources to migrate, thus, initially developmental policies such as free trade and foreign direct investment enable people to migrate, however, in a long run same policies and additional remittances from diaspora empower countries to establish infrastructure to preserve their human capital and even instil return migration. However, one model does not fit all. In case of systematic failure of developmental policies due to internal or external pressures hump can transform into plateau, which means a state of continuous ‘brain drain’. This essay attempts to explain the notion of migration hump and plateau in relation to migration and development through optimistic and pessimistic views. The discourse explains the process of positive to negative migration through the example of Turkey and continuous excessive migration process through Mexico.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Migration Hump
3. Migration and Development
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The primary objective of this paper is to examine the theoretical concepts of the 'migration hump' and 'migration plateau' to understand their relationship with migration patterns and economic development. The research investigates how trade reforms, foreign aid, and remittances influence migratory behavior, using Turkey and Mexico as comparative case studies to illustrate divergent developmental outcomes.
- Theoretical analysis of the 'migration hump' vs. 'migration plateau'.
- The role of remittances as a tool for development and poverty eradication.
- Impact of trade reforms and international agreements (e.g., NAFTA) on migration trends.
- Comparative case study of migration patterns in Turkey and Mexico.
- The influence of national policies on managing external economic resources.
Excerpt from the Book
Migration and Development
The crucial debate between migration and development is whether migration encourages development of the source nation or hinders it (Castle, 2014: 69). The two existing views are migration optimism, which relates with foreign aid through remittance, knowledge, technology, brain gain, liberalisation and modernisation; and migration pessimism, which relates to brain drain, exploitation of resources, unequal trade opportunities, systematic failure and dependency theory (De Haas, 2010: 229; Castle, 2014: 70-1). Optimistic sect projects the relation in terms of ‘migration hump’ and pessimistic sect in terms of ‘migration plateau’. However, according to Gereffi, the outcome depends on how a country manages external economic resources to create infrastructure and employment internally, thus impeding net emigration (Gereffi, 1989: 522).
At this juncture, it is important to clarify the definition of development. According to IOM, it is defined as “a process of improving the overall quality of life of a group of people and, in particular, expanding the range of opportunities open to them” (IOM, 2013:34). Similarly, for Amartya Sen ‘development is a process of expanding the substantive freedoms that people enjoy…the ability of human being to lead lives they have reason to value and to enhance the substantive choices they have’ (Castle, 2014: 69-70). Thus, by definition, development is supposed to increase people’s ability to choose country of residence and employment.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter defines the concepts of migration hump and migration plateau, setting the stage for an analysis of how trade policies and economic development influence migratory trends.
Migration Hump: This chapter illustrates the theory of additional short-term migration caused by trade reforms, contrasting the status-quo international migration with the observed curve of trade-induced influx.
Migration and Development: This section explores the debate between migration optimism and pessimism, discussing the role of remittances, policy failures, and the socio-economic conditions in Turkey and Mexico.
Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the findings, asserting that the success of development in mitigating migration depends heavily on a nation's ability to manage external resources and internal policy stability.
Keywords
Migration Hump, Migration Plateau, Economic Development, Remittances, Trade Reforms, NAFTA, Brain Drain, Brain Gain, Turkey, Mexico, International Migration, Policy Implications, Human Capital, Dependency Theory, Globalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the relationship between trade-induced economic changes and international migration patterns, specifically analyzing whether such policies lead to a temporary increase in migration (a hump) or sustained out-migration (a plateau).
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The study covers development economics, migration theory, trade policy impacts, the role of remittances, and comparative regional analysis.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The goal is to explain why some nations successfully transition from emigration to immigration through development, while others experience persistent 'brain drain' under similar global trade frameworks.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The author uses a qualitative approach, employing theoretical literature review and comparative analysis of migration data from Turkey and Mexico to validate the migration hump and plateau models.
What does the main body of the paper discuss?
The main body examines the definitions of development, the impact of remittances on domestic economies, and the specific socio-political factors that dictate whether trade reforms result in developmental growth or economic dependency.
What are the key terms characterizing this work?
Key concepts include the Migration Hump, Migration Plateau, Remittances, NAFTA, and the dependency theory.
How does the case of Turkey illustrate the migration hump theory?
Turkey is presented as an ideal example where economic boom and liberalization eventually led to a drop in net emigration, transforming the country into a destination for refugees and migrants.
Why does the paper describe Mexico as a case closer to a 'migration plateau'?
Unlike the migration hump model, Mexico's experience with NAFTA led to increased legal and illegal migration, largely due to poor domestic job creation and structural dependencies on the US labor market.
- Quote paper
- Arshi Aggarwal (Author), 2014, Migration Hump and Development. A Look at Migration Patterns in Turkey and Mexico, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/286322
