1.

3 Theories of International Migration

1. Neoclassical economic- oldest and best known theory of international labor migration.
This migration occurs on the account of individual cost-benefit decisions to maximize
expected incomes through international movement.
2. New economics of migration- theory developed in recent years to challenge some of the
hypotheses and assumptions of neoclassical economics. It argues that decisions are
made not only to increase individual earnings but also by larger units, such as families
and households.
3. Dual labor market theory- argues that migration stems from the demands of the
economic structure of industrial societies. International migration is caused not only by
the push factors of the origin countries but also by the pull factors of the destination
countries.
4. World systems theory- argues that international migration is the result of the
globalization of the market economy. In the process of global industrialization, a large
number of people are released from traditional industries, such as farming, state-owned
industries, and handicrafts, and this creates a mobilized population to move both
internally and internationally.
5. Migration network theory focuses on networks, that is, the interpersonal ties that connect
migrants, former migrants, potential migrants, and nonmigrants in the origin and
destination countries.

Ethnic enclave- is a community that helps individuals transition into life as immigrants by
providing support and environments much like those in their mother countries.