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Why Do People Migrate? Theories

Explore theories about migration in greater depth and learn how migration is a constant phenomenon throughout human history.

7,862 enrolled on this course

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  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Move beyond the headlines about migration

In the second course in this two-part series, you will learn about different theoretical models that seek to explain why migration starts and why it continues. You will explore migration as a structural feature of our societies and examine individual’s choices to migrate. You will consider the role networks and institutions play in the movement of people. You will also hear from international experts about how migration theories can help us understand cases of labour migration in different world regions.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 10 seconds Migration is a fundamental phenomenon in human history. People move, since prehistoric times. Pilgrims, peddlers, merchants, colonisers– people moved escaping war and persecutions, but also in search of land, resources, opportunities, the dream of a better life. In the 19th century, migration started to be a mass phenomenon, also made easier by faster, safer, and cheaper transportation. Today, migration is an intrinsic feature of our globalising world. So why do people move? We will guide you through the complex world of migration– analysing the different types of migration, the main actors involved, the policies in place, the motivations behind the decision to move. With this course, we aim to address two main questions. What triggers migration? Which factors influence migrants’ decisions?

Skip to 1 minute and 28 seconds If you are interested in understanding this phenomenon and seeing how theories can explain real life cases, access anytime, anywhere, your MOOC. Watch the videos. Share ideas. Ask for feedback. Join our learning community. Enrol now.

What topics will you cover?

  • Understanding migration as a global phenomenon
  • Why does migration start?
  • How does migration continue?
  • Theoretical approaches in practice

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify the fundamental terminology used in theoretical debates on migration
  • Explore the main theoretical approaches
  • Explain the motivations for people to move and settle outside their home countries
  • Apply main theories to the interpretation of real case-studies

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone interested in learning about migration. It would be useful if you had completed the first course in this series Why do People Migrate? Facts.

Who will you learn with?

Anna Triandafyllidou is Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada.

Nick Dines is research fellow at the European University Institute, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies.

Who developed the course?

European University Institute (EUI)

We are the European University Institute (EUI), the leading institute in Europe dedicated to social sciences and humanities. Founded in 1972 by the six original members of the then European Communities, the EUI has earned a reputation as a transnational hub of research and higher learning.

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  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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