What is a Culture of Migration?
TLDRIn this informative video, Professor Melissa Siegel delves into the concept of a 'culture of migration,' a term frequently used but not always clearly defined in migration studies. She provides various perspectives on its meaning, highlighting Douglas Massey's view of migration becoming a community value and influencing non-migrants' aspirations. The video also discusses how migration can evolve into a social norm and necessity, especially in societies where it's seen as a rite of passage. The MIGNEX project is introduced as a significant effort to define and measure this culture through four measurable criteria: established outmigration, widespread occurrence, normalcy in life course, and positive perception. The Philippines and Mexico are cited as prime examples of such cultures, with migration deeply ingrained in their social fabric and economies. The video concludes by inviting viewers to share their experiences and stay informed on migration issues.
Takeaways
- 📚 The term 'culture of migration' is frequently used in migration studies but lacks a universally agreed-upon definition.
- 🌐 Douglas Massey describes a culture of migration as deeply ingrained behaviors and values associated with migration becoming part of community norms.
- 🤝 Non-migrants are influenced by the experiences of migrants, which can shape their aspirations and decisions to migrate.
- 📈 Migration can lead to significant socioeconomic improvements, which can be a motivating factor for others in the community.
- 🧳 Other scholars view migration as a cultural event and part of an individual's identity, shaped by both individual and collective values and practices.
- 🎉 A culture of migration includes the celebration of migration and migrants through beliefs, symbols, myths, education, and material goods.
- 🌱 Over time, migration can evolve from an optional practice to a crucial social act that becomes almost compulsory for certain social groups.
- 📊 The MIGNEX project has identified four measurable criteria for a culture of migration: established outmigration, widespread phenomenon, normal part of life course, and positive view of migration.
- 🇵🇭 The Philippines has a long history of migration with a developed culture of migration supported by individuals, communities, and the government.
- 💰 Remittances from overseas Filipino workers are a vital component of the Philippine economy, reinforcing the culture of migration.
- 🇲🇽 In Mexico, certain communities have a high rate of outmigration to the U.S., where migration is seen as a rite of passage and a means of economic mobility.
- 📝 The concept of a culture of migration is complex and has been rarely measured, but the MIGNEX project aims to provide clarity and criteria for its identification.
Q & A
What is the term 'culture of migration' often used to describe?
-The term 'culture of migration' is used to describe a societal norm where migration is deeply ingrained into people's behaviors and values, becoming a part of the community's general values.
What does Douglas Massey define as a key characteristic of a culture of migration?
-Douglas Massey defines a culture of migration as a phenomenon where non-migrants are influenced by the experiences of their friends, relatives, and neighbors who have migrated, and where the aspiration to migrate is shaped by the improved socioeconomic circumstances of migrants and their stories.
What are the four measurable criteria for the presence of a culture of migration as identified by the MIGNEX project?
-The four measurable criteria identified by the MIGNEX project are: 1) Outmigration must be established as a phenomenon, 2) Outmigration must continue to be relatively widespread, 3) Outmigration must be seen as a normal part of the life course, and 4) Migration must be viewed positively.
How has the Philippines developed a culture of migration?
-The Philippines has developed a culture of migration through its long history of migration with millions of Filipinos working abroad, government facilitation and regulation of migration, and the significant role of remittances in the Philippine economy. The aspiration to migrate is also prevalent among both youth and adults.
What is the role of remittances in the Philippine economy?
-Remittances sent by overseas workers have become a vital component of the Philippine economy, contributing significantly to its financial stability and growth.
Why is migration often viewed as a rite of passage in certain countries?
-In certain countries, migration is viewed as a rite of passage because it is seen as a crucial and necessary social act, often associated with achieving adulthood or manhood, and as a means of economic mobility.
How does the aspiration to migrate get transmitted across generations in communities with a culture of migration?
-The aspiration to migrate is transmitted across generations and through social networks in these communities, often reinforced by the experiences and stories of returned migrants and the perceived socioeconomic benefits of migration.
What are some examples of countries that have a culture of migration?
-Two examples of countries that have a culture of migration are the Philippines and Mexico, where migration is deeply ingrained in societal values and is a common aspiration for individuals.
What is the MIGNEX project and how does it relate to the study of a culture of migration?
-The MIGNEX project is a large-scale initiative that aligns migration management and the migration-development nexus. It has identified specific, measurable criteria for the presence of a culture of migration, providing a clear definition and a way to measure it.
How does the government of the Philippines facilitate migration?
-The government of the Philippines facilitates migration by regulating it and ratifying agreements that aim to protect the rights of Filipino migrant workers abroad. It also involves both government and private actors in the labor export process.
What is the role of female Filipinos in the migration culture of the Philippines?
-Female Filipinos play a prominent role in both permanent settlement migration and temporary labor migration, with many working in sectors such as health care as nurses and in domestic work across various locations worldwide.
Why is migration viewed as a marker of manhood in some Mexican communities?
-In some Mexican communities, migration is viewed as a marker of manhood because it is seen as a means of economic mobility and a rite of passage, often associated with the expectation of young people to live and work in the United States at some point in their lives.
Outlines
🌐 Understanding the Culture of Migration
Melissa Siegel, a professor of migration studies, introduces the concept of a 'culture of migration,' which is a term often used but not always clearly defined. She explains that it refers to when migration becomes a deep-seated part of a community's behavior and values. Massey's work is highlighted, which characterizes such a culture by the influence of migrants' experiences on non-migrants and the subsequent socioeconomic aspirations this creates. The video also discusses other scholars' views, including the idea that migration becomes a cultural event and part of identity. De Haas, Castles, and Miller describe it as a collective mentality where migration is the norm. The MIGNEX project is mentioned as a source for more information on the topic.
📊 Measurable Criteria for a Culture of Migration
The video outlines four measurable criteria that define the presence of a culture of migration, as identified by the MIGNEX project. These criteria are: established outmigration, widespread outmigration, viewing migration as a normal life course, and a positive view of migration. The Philippines and Mexico are given as examples of countries with a culture of migration. The Philippines has a history of migration, especially to the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with both government and private sectors involved in labor export. Mexican communities with high rates of migration to the U.S. are also discussed, where migration is seen as a rite of passage and a means of economic mobility. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to share their experiences or examples of a culture of migration.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Culture of Migration
💡Migration Studies
💡Douglas Massey
💡MIGNEX Project
💡Remittances
💡Philippine Migration
💡Mexican Migration
💡Labor Migration
💡Socioeconomic Circumstances
💡Collective Mentality
💡Migration and Identity
Highlights
The term 'culture of migration' is often used but not clearly defined in migration studies.
Melissa Siegel, a professor of migration studies, discusses the concept of a culture of migration.
Different scholars have provided various definitions for a culture of migration, emphasizing its ingrained nature in certain societies.
Douglas Massey conceptualizes a culture of migration as deeply embedded behaviors and values associated with migration.
Non-migrants are influenced by the experiences and improved socioeconomic circumstances of those who have migrated.
Other scholars view migration as a cultural event and part of an individual's identity.
De Haas, Castles, and Miller describe a culture of migration as a collective mentality where migration is the norm.
Migration can transform from an optional practice to a crucial social act over time in certain societies.
The MIGNEX project aims to align migration management and the migration-development nexus.
MIGNEX has identified four measurable criteria for the presence of a culture of migration.
Outmigration must be established, widespread, seen as normal, and viewed positively according to MIGNEX criteria.
The Philippines and Mexico are examples of countries with a culture of migration, with migration being a significant part of their societal norms and values.
In the Philippines, migration is a rite of passage, with millions working abroad and remittances playing a vital role in the economy.
The Philippine government facilitates and regulates migration to protect the rights of its migrant workers.
In Mexico, migration to the United States is often seen as a norm and a marker of manhood, especially in certain communities.
The aspiration to migrate in Mexico is transmitted across generations and social networks.
The video invites viewers to share their experiences or observations of a culture of migration in their own countries or contexts.
For more information on the topic, viewers are encouraged to visit the MIGNEX website and explore related publications.
Transcripts
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