Migration Network Theory

Strengths of Migration Networks Theory in Relation to an Empirical Case Study. Migration networks theory argues that links to groups, family or friends (networks) in receiving countries influence migrants’ decision of choosing their migration destinations. Migrant networks are defined as “sets of interpersonal ties that connect migrants, non-migrants and former migrants in webs of kinship, friendship and shared origin.” (King 2012, P.21) These networks provide a source of much needed support for families, would be migrants and the newly arrived migrants in their new surroundings. This support could be in terms of financial help for family and friends, vital information on how to mitigate the migration process for migrants and most importantly,

In brief, “migration networks influence both the scale of migration and the sorting of migrants across countries, as they provide an incentive to replicate the destination choices of earlier migrants.” (Bertoli, 2010, p. 262). A case study ‘International Migration from Albania: The Role of Family Networks and Previous Experience’ by Stampini, Carletto and Davis (2008) will be used in this essay to illustrate the strengths of the migration networks theory. This is a great case for this essay because it purports to illustrate that migration networks do affect the type of migration i.e. temporary or permanent and the choice of the destination

These factors include gender, age, education, family, social status, economic and political status in a country etc. In Albania, a weak economy and political instability led to a mass exodus mainly to neighboring Greece and Italy who had stronger economies. During this times, migrants moved primarily in search of better economic opportunities in neighboring European Union (EU) countries. According to Stampini, Carletto and Davis (2008), networks may continue to sway migration by reducing migration costs and increasing the likelihood of succeeding abroad even after Albanian economy stabilizes (p.59.) In addition, the research found that younger persons were more likely to migrate internationally and education levels played a significant role in determining the type of migration (temporary versus permanent) and their choice of migration destination. Migrants with higher education levels (university degree) were more likely to migrate permanently to Italy whereas those with primary and secondary education were likely to migrate temporarily to Greece (Stampini, Carletto and Davis, 2008, p.77.) This expounds on migration networks strength that