The importance of networks
This short video explains why networks are important for the continuation of migration over a period of time.
In the previous chapter, we have looked at the theories that explain why people start to engage in migration, that being because of expected gains or of structural economic factors.
When migration is under way, other factors become important, such as social networks, which are based on family, friendship, religion, ethnicity, or nationality ties. This is of great help to migrants that follow in their steps. They can offer hospitality, help organise the trip to the destination country, assist with paperwork for state permits or visas, as well as provide support to find the first job. Last but not least, social networks represent an opportunity for migrants to feel at home. The availability of social networks in the destination country brings a drastic reduction to the financial and emotional costs connected to migration, which makes it significantly easier for migrants to follow the path of those who migrated before them.
Once in the country of destination, the newcomers will physically reunify with their networks. They will enter the labour market at the lowest levels, but they move up the job market to occupy better positions more easily thanks to the integration of those that have arrived before.
Here we consider the role that networks play in sustaining migration over a period of time.
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