Transnational Geographies - Essay Example

? Applied Case Study report for Transnational Geographies Introduction Transnational migration is one of the vital aspects influencing the demographic statistics of a region. People from time immemorial have migrated from one place to another crossing geographical boundaries in search of a better life. Economic studies or cultural studies related to a specific region or country is widely influenced by transnational migration figures and hence there is increased interest among researchers and academicians to keep tabs on the migration statistics. Broadly transnational migration can be categorized as internal or domestic migration, international migration and refugee movements (Newbold, 2010). According to recent estimates 77.9 million Asians reside in different parts of the world and 215,764,000 people migrated to different parts of the globe in the year 2010 (MPI data, 2012). The figures illustrate the significance of transnational migration and provide the base for numerous research studies. Migration Information Source (MIS) is an integral part of the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) that caters to the compilation and assimilation of data collected from different global organizations, government bodies and agencies on migratory trends and statistics. The data collected by the MIS is structured and collated to provide analytical evidence of transnational migration trends. The online information resource forms a vital source for information and data on migration movements enabling analysts to provide different perspectives on people movement for improved understanding of migration. The reports, data and statistics are accessible to journalists, policymakers, researchers and academicians online (MIS website, 2012). Research context – background and overview Global migration has been one of the important aspects driving the economic growth and development of any region. While migration in the ancient times was limited to trade and settlement purposes, the modern era defined new grounds for migration and the number of people migrating from one country to another continues to increase (Hamilton and Grieco, 2002). Migration of people from one region to another had immense social, cultural and economic implications. Researchers, academicians and policy makers realized the need to have instant access to migration data for analyzing social development, cultural impacts, and economic growth factors. However, there were very few reliable sources of information available on people migration from one country to another earlier. The need for an easily accessible and reliable source of data in this context was realized. The MIS was conceived as a part of the MPI, that forms a non-profit organization based in Washington. The goal of the MPI was to “deliver sound and accurate data and analysis on migration trends and refugees” (Hamilton and Grieco, 2002, p3). The online information service was thus conceptualized in the early 2000s to facilitate data collection and analysis of international migration. Numerous research studies on transnational geographies have focused on analyzing migration trends and its influence on social, cultural and economic development of any region. A research article by Radcliffe, Silvey, and Olson (2006) explored the political dimensions of transnational migration and its linkages to religious beliefs, cultural practices and economic development within a region. The paper explores the different perspectives and conclusive evidences offered by numerous research studies in this context. Another research study by Silvey (2004) seeks to explain the role of States of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in shaping migratory trends of women between the two countries. A more recent study by Blunt (2007) focused on the inter-linkages existing between the cultural environment of a region and transnational mobility. Faist (2008) in his works on migration and transnational development reflects on “how national states structure the transnational spaces in which non-state actors are engaged in cross-border flows, leading towards a tight linkage between migration control, immigrant incorporation and development cooperation” (p21). These research studies have provided new perspectives and insight into how transnational migration has shaped the social, cultural and economic environment of countries. However, a key aspect that defines the scope and potentials of these studies is the availability of migration data. The case study report here provides an assessment of how MIS has contributed to an enriched understanding of migration trends, its role in shaping national policies and how its has enabled researchers and policy makers to identify emerging trends and mobility patterns across the globe. Research question The research question addressed in this case study report is – How has MIS contributed to an improved understanding of migration trends, shaping the decisions of policy makers at national and international levels, and defining migration trends and mobility patterns across the globe? The subsequent sections provide a detailed analysis of the research topic and findings that help in answering the above mentioned research question. Transnational geographies in context of MIS Maher (2007) defined trans-nationalism as “a process by which migrants, through their daily life activities create social fields that cross national boundaries”. A more recent version of the definition of trans-nationalism reads as “the processes by which immigrants build social fields that link together their country of origin and their country of settlement” (Smith and Guarnizo, 2006). These definitions reflect the role of individuals in shaping and developing social communities by interlinking their own community practices with those of the others with whom they develop an association. The trans-nationalism concept encompasses a wide variety of activities and processes that link two or more communities belonging to different geographical locations. International migration forms the vital factor linking the geography of two countries. A key aspect defining the concept of trans-nationalism is the fact that migrated communities do not sever their associations with their home country and their linkages pave the way for cultural and economic exchange. These interactions have a strong impact on the demographic profile and living patterns of communities across borders (Smith, 2009). Transnational geographies in the context of this case study refer to migration trends, mobility patterns and application of statistical data pertaining to migration in formulating national policies and frameworks. Transnational geographies in modern era encompass a wide range of complex mechanisms that are a direct result of technological advances. Internet communications, online collaboration, broadband services, e-commerce business models and reducing air travel have made people more mobile and accessible to any corner of the world. Globalisation is one of the key enablers that has triggered the need to travel and shift to other countries more frequently. Social communities staying away from their countries bring in their own culture, practices and beliefs that shape local events and occasions in the country to which they have migrated. This cultural exchange and social development process leaves a deep and long lasting impact on both the countries resulting in gradual change and shift in old practices. These influences shape the social, economic and cultural environment of both the countries (Barnes, Peck and Shepphard, 2009). Thus, the significance of migration data and its analytical evidences contribute to a deeper and better understanding of studies in sociology, geography, anthropology, political science and economics. The geographic perspective of scholars and researchers have shifted to trans-nationalism concepts and trends owing to its deep-rooted impacts on many aspects of community life and economic growth (Maher, 2007). There are a number of factors influencing migratory trends and the decision to move from one place to another. One of these is poor employment prospects in the area, marginal wages and low standards of living. Research studies and statistics reports have revealed that one of the primary causes of migration is search for economic benefits translated in terms of improved job prospects, higher wages and increased standards of living. Educational prospects are yet another factor determining migratory trends in the country. People living in developing and poor countries have revealed increased migratory trends in developed countries for enhanced learning and job opportunities (Schapendonk and Moppes, 2007). MIS has provided the researchers, academicians, and policy makers with a web-based tool that makes it easier to search and access updated data related to migration and mobility of individuals across borders. The benefit of this tool lies in its application to define emerging mobility trends, key migration patterns and evaluate national policies that restrict or promote global migration. The online application tool is an information repository for users who need migration related data and articles analyzing migration patterns. These articles penned by experts and critics provide deeper insight into the migratory trends existing and influencing the overall economy of a particular nation or region. These are valuable resources of information. “At the source, users find easy to understand, issue-oriented articles based on sound analysis as well as actual and accurate data to support efforts to design, critique or influence migration-related policy” (Hamilton and Grieco, 2002, p3). The MIS is designed with three specific objectives, one of which is to enable the general public to understand the mobility patterns of people across borders and provide a strong platform for policy makers at the national level. The second objective is to provide organizations, governing bodies, agencies, institutions and individuals with a reliable and primary source for data related to migration across the globe. The third objective is to support an analytical information source that helps in raising awareness of the causes and consequences of migration (Hamilton and Grieco, 2002). The features and functionalities of the web source are supported by two distinct categories of information available to the users. The application allows the user to select different parameters based on which a final customized report is displayed. These parameters include the selection of countries, year, immigrants and refugee mobility patterns. The user needs to select the appropriate parameters to access a customized data report that comes in both tabular and graphical formats. The data source enables the users to generate graphs and tables from the available data or access ready made charts, graphs and tables in excel spreadsheets for further research or any policy formulation. Data on historical migration trends and patterns is also available for user reference and information. The data hub provides a reliable and accurate source of information to many researchers and policy makers (MPI website, 2012). The second type of information supported by the MIS is its huge database of articles and analytical works that help in explaining and understanding past, present and emerging migratory trends across different regions or on a global context. The articles and analytical works feature country profiles, individual articles on migration related issues, debates on policies, fact sheets and interviews with experts in this area. The web source also provides a glossary of contextual definitions and an events page where users can find important information related to conferences and meetings on migration issues (Hamilton and Grieco, 2002). Research methodology and approach The case study report adopted a qualitative research method to highlight and explore the key aspects related to data accessibility of trans-national migration and the role of MIS in enhancing a better understanding of migration trends and patterns. The research approach adopted for any study is guided by the research goals and objectives. Any research study that requires an in-depth exploration of human behaviour, context and actions to given situations follow the qualitative approach to understand and analyze the variables that influence behaviour patterns (Silverman, 2004). Denzin and Lincoln (2011) in their works on qualitative research methods observe that this is evidence-based research approach that takes into account previous works, observations, insights and theoretical frameworks that help in explaining and understanding the research context. The qualitative research method depends on existing works, literature, case studies, personal experience, interviews and observations to explain the research context and its interrelationship to the study variables (Denzin and Lincoln, 2011). The benefit of such systemic research approach is that it enables the researcher to study and understand the research context from different perspectives and provide his conclusions based on the observations and findings. The research approach for this study adopted the case study method to explore the issue of transnational geographies through MIS. Research findings There are different factors which influence migration which are specific for North and South. Some factors are the old ones and some are the contemporary ones. Through migration research we have come to know that it is not an individual act but its is a family’s or community’s decision to migrate (Wabgou, 2006). So the family or the community becomes the encouraging factors for migration. The features of the development trends are same as of the migration trends. In the development trend the civil society and the community has taken a very important place, not to leave the state and the market behind. Migrant transnational associations is among the latest feature of this trend and it is increasing its importance as can be seen by the changes of the migration-development connections. On its own one can see three principles of social order – community, state and market. Here, the principle of community is referred as the notion of the social order which assumes, or is at least advantageous of the rights and duties connected to the members of the communities. Communities usually are the cement that amalgamates the members of a solid community into the values of trust, reciprocity and integrity which have obligations and trust with each other. Duties may not be limited to any boundaries but may rest on various other mechanisms such as, shared knowledge, common beliefs and religious beliefs. The market principle is different as compared to the community. It is run by the human agents in acquiring the goods without much importance given, or control over the other people. The principle of state is having ranking control and carrying out the decisions as per the political community. State authority, runs to serve the common good and joins the concept of development. Community is referred to different concepts of boundaries of ‘us’ which is different from others. Markets exists everywhere irrespective of the boundaries. States anyway, in a modern way after the Westphalian Peace – is defined by the territory borders, functions by the correct authorities and the decisions are taken by the persons who have the power. On the whole, community , state and market are the main features of the social order, who are not compatible with each other but require each other for their function (Streeck and Schmitter 1985). Analysis of the role of the transnational subjects is about wandering from one subject to another and institutional frameworks needs mobility of going from one country to another. The traditional concept was focused on emigrating from and immigrating to and going back to the same country from where you emigrated. But the transnational mobility means keeping the countries of origin together, destination and possible onward migration. The emphasis should be on both long term and short term immigrants. Irrespective of the time they might focus on transnational ties which would be benefited by their respective countries. Examples of such social communities are transnational families, hometown associations, epistemic communities of experts and scientists, cross-border religious congregations, as well as ethnic and even national communities. Now our analysis will shift to transnational subjects like village groups, business networks, epistemic communities and diasporas. These subjects use the different forms of resources in the name of development financial capital such as money in the form of remittances and/or investments; knowledge and professional experience; and political ideas, such as ideas on forms of government, rights and responsibilities, and democracy. Emigrants and their relatives are seen by the government of the country of origin as effective middlemen who play an important role in negotiating foreign investments. In development economics though it is believed that the more the capital inflow the more the economy has grown but economic growth is more when there is inflow of the entrepreneurial skills. (Hirschman 1958) Businessmen may encourage an atmosphere where the entrepreneurial skill contributes to the economic success which later prospers. Indian software engineers working in the Silicon Valley of the US contributed to the rise of the software industry in Bangalore, they invested in the companies , seeing this the US companies followed suit. They gave a new dimension to the Indian companies. In these cases, due to the large quantity of well educated citizens living abroad the foreign investment has been high. We are next to China in having about 20 million people living abroad. The income of these people comes to about one third of India’s GDP. Therefore, these people, who are called the non-resident Indians gave us the 10% of the foreign direct investment and a large portion of venture capital. Whereas in the country of China 50% of FDI is provided by the 30 million people who are living outside China, China is also providing with incentives for those people to invest in selected enterprises. Because of this the software companies and the global production chains have made these investments more profitable (Faist, 2008). Though we don’t know much about the networks and small groups whom businessmen entertain each other and with connecting negotiators in the emigration country. We need to know more about the businessmen act as negotiators called transnational workers who work as middlemen connecting the businesses with the technological knowledge and the market study with their personal network in the emigration and immigration regions. There is a possibility that there are a few emigrants who invest in their country of origin and are successful because of the knowledge of the local language and customs and also win the trust of the officials who organizes economic planning. The government has introduced such policies where the highly skilled immigrants are attracted and they also try to attract the people who are abroad to maintain productive connectivity. The Indian Government offers tax benefits and uses the expertise of the NRI’s to facilitate the Indian Companies and offer opportunities abroad for Indian companies. The Indian Government allows its NRI’s to enjoy dual citizenship, which has added entry provisions by the upper class group. In developed countries the public policies is to attract the emigrants as employees also have started to attract international students. Some of the OECD countries like Germany have recently changed their policy and are allowing the international student to stay or to come again after they complete their studies. At the same time some countries have started attracting the emigrants back and are taking steps to sponsor investments by citizens abroad in the field of information technology. There are different plausible results of brain transfer which mainly are brain drain followed by brain gain, brain drain, a global brain chain and brain waste. In the first case i.e., brain drain followed by brain gain, there is usually a loss, followed by gain by the migrant, the immigrating country and the country of origin. The emigration of the highly skilled people will be advantageous for those who live in the country of origin as they would have progressed economically. Such talks provide an incentive to the people here and would like to improve by investing In higher education. This happens only with a few people and the others prefer to remain in the country of origin and enjoy the benefits of education. In the second case of brain drain there is no replacement. In this case the skilled people leave their country and start working in the countries which is developed. The country of origin is lacking in such skilled professionals but they are busy working in the developed nations and the developed nations are reaping benefits of employing them. The third possibility is the global brain chain which includes both brain gain and brain drain. Research observations and implications Conceptual understanding of transnational geographies is vastly improved by online web resources like MIS and this has obviously contributed to the framing of national policies and legal frameworks for migrating people. The findings of the study prove that a large number of countries now understand the implications of migration of its population to other countries in terms of its impacts on social, cultural and economic development. Developed countries stand to gain from the transfer of skills and competencies that favour the economic growth and development of the region. However, the developed countries lose the much-required skills that can contribute to their regional growth and development objectives. Poor infrastructure and inadequate opportunities form the key drivers behind the migratory trends. The governance structures and policies in developing countries must hence focus on improving opportunities to attract and retain skills within their country for long term economic growth. MIS has helped in providing a ready reckoner to the interested parties in understanding migration trends and shaping national policies to address the key issues arising from cross-border migration of people. Conclusion Transnational geographies have been deeply impacted by the migration of people from one country to another. Global boundaries and geographical barriers have become obsolete in a world that is driven by open markets and globalization phases. The recent years have seen that global barriers have been removed and countries are focusing their strengths on increasing international cooperation and collaboration for mutual growth and development. Governments have adopted enabling policies and frameworks to facilitate easy movement of goods, technology and people across borders. The case study of MIS has highlighted the significant role played by transnational migration in shaping national policies, social and cultural development of global communities and enabling the creation of a world that is driven by collaborative powers and interactive communities for increased prosperity. Developed countries provide the much-desired growth opportunities to the people of developing countries and there is a growing appeal to migrate abroad in pursuit of higher education or better employment opportunities. References 1. Barnes, T.J., Peck, J., and Sheppard, E. (2012). Economic geography. John Wiley & Sons. 2. Blunt, A. (2007). Cultural geographies of migration, mobility, transnationality and diasporas. Progress in human geography. Vol 31 no. 5, pp 684-694. 3. Cox, K.R., Low, M., and Robinson, J. (2008). The sage handbook of political geography. Sage Publications. 4. Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y.S. (2011). The sage handbook of qualitative research. Sage Publications. 5. Faist, T. (2008). Migrants as transnational development agents: an inquiry into the newest round of the migration-development nexus. Population, space and place, vol 14 pp 21-42. 6. Hamilton, K. and Grieco, E. (2002). 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Radboud University Nijmegen, August 23-24, 2006. Read More