Essay on Migration: A Driver of Social Change in Transnationalism

This essay provides an argumentative and summative discussion on migration as a driver of social changes in the current age of transnationalism. It critically analyzes related concepts and theories, referencing the author's father's temporary migration from Australia to China for work. The essay explores the reasons for migration, its impact on the distribution of population, demographic changes, economic development, and the amalgamation of various races and cultures. It delves into the relationship between migration and underdevelopment, examining the vicious and virtuous circles, the human development index, and the benefits and drawbacks for both the origin and destination countries. The essay also discusses the demographic impact of migration, the gravity model of migration, and the sociological and anthropological differences between countries, highlighting the role of migration in shaping a small-populated world and its correlation with development until a certain level is reached.

Impact of Migration
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Discussion........................................................................................................................................4
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................9
References......................................................................................................................................10
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Introduction
The term “human migration” refers to the shifting of individuals from one location to another
location for the purpose of getting settled at the new location temporarily or permanently
(Newworldencyclopedia.org. 2018). Generally, this activity takes place over long distances, like
moving out of one country to another country, or internally migrating from one state to another.
The activity of human migration has a direct impact on both the area of destination and area of
origin. Migration has a significant role to play in shaping the lives of the individuals, different
phases of their lives and others. In addition, the act of migration brings changes in the
distribution of population, brings demographic changes in the nation, fosters economic
development, and results in amalgamation of various races and cultures (Newland, 2018). In this
essay, I will be presenting an argumentative and summative discussion on migration as a driver
of social changes in the current age of transnationalism. For imparting clarity in understanding, I
have critically analysed the related concepts and theories and with reference to my father, who
has temporarily migrated to China from Australia for the purpose of work, and his experience.
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Discussion
An individual can migrate for various purposes, namely limited work and growth opportunities at
the area of origin, natural disasters, political disturbances, impact of primitive conditions, torture
and ill-treatment, better standard of living, education, job prospects, and others. However, as
(Lei, 2013) rightly mentions, these are reasons of voluntary or impelled migration. In my father’s
case, the act of migration is an example of intercontinental and forced or involuntary migration
as he is shifting to a new continent and it was the government’s decision to migrate him. My
father works in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Australian Government at
a senior designation. As an initiative to improve the international relations with China, the
government of Australia decided to transfer him to the country, to take over the responsibilities
there. The Australian Government follows the policy of neoliberal governmentality, which
involves outsourcing of responsibilities by the government for improving the well-being of their
citizens (Siteresources.worldbank.org. 2018).
It has been approximately six months, since the time my father migrated to China. Due to
technological advancements of the 21st century, growth of social media and availability of
communication tools, the barrier of physical distance has been eliminated to some extent through
effective communication channels. Differences in time zones was a barrier initially, however this
issue was resolved after fixing the time for callings and messaging, based on each of our
suitability. Migrating to China has been a turning point in both our lives and has brought major
changes like changes in thought perspectives, changes in cultural practices, and changes in
religious beliefs, political and social views, to name a few.
Our regular discussions about these differences have helped me understand the link between
migration and underdevelopment. As mentioned in (Newland, 2018), the link between
migration and development has become the area of focus for various international organisations
as migrating activities helps in promotion of national, regional, local development in the
foundation country. Due to differences in currency between Australia and China, the transfer of
my father has helped the Australian government in acquiring foreign currency. Migration of
individuals to different nations provides the country with a source of foreign exchange, thereby
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increases the macro-economic stability as well as helps in lessening the depredation and
eradicating menacing issues like poverty (Estudiosdeldesarrollo.mx. 2018). However, ()
mentions that migration and development share a contradictory relationship as the former ignores
the principles supporting neoliberal globalisation and does not particularly affect the application
of neoliberal policies in migrant-sending nations. In agreement to the above views,
(Lindenwood.edu. 2018) has identified migration to be base of transnationalism theory arguing
that immigrants help in instituting numerous social relations that are permanent, constant,
cooperative and reciprocal in nature with the inhabitants of the origin. By looking at the concept
of migration in a more comprehensive and visionary way, I can conclude that the diversity of
social practices established by my father and other migrants in China and Australia, will offer
noteworthy contribution to migration studies for both the nations.
Based on my understanding, the link with migration and underdevelopment can be approached
from two conflicting trends, namely the vicious circle and the virtuous circle. As per the trend of
the vicious circle, migration has adverse effects on depopulation, inflation, productive
disarticulation, reduction of economic activity, thereby encouraging emigration
(Link.springer.com. 2018). On the other hand, the virtuous circle believes that well-established
migrant associations have the capability to contribute in the development of regions and
localities by taking into consideration limited social development taken place due to neoliberal
policy prevailing in migrant-sending nations. With reference to the concept of human
development index, a combined statistic of education, life expectancy and indicators of per
capita income (Un.org. 2018), the impact of migration on the underdevelopment and
development can be analysed. Talking about development, three focus areas come into
recognition, namely, the area of destination, the area of origin or the migrant itself; hence
bringing me to a question that whether migration is a “triple-win situation” or not. The answer
to this question will help me understand the benefits at personal level along with the advantage
acquired by Australia and China, as well as how this migration proved to be beneficial for my
father, both personally and professionally.
Majority of studies have shown the individuals from underdeveloped nations migrate to
developed nations for mitigating the issue of poverty, but that is again an example of voluntary
migration, whereas in my father’s case, it was an act of forced migration. However, as
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mentioned earlier, migration would offer mutual benefits to both the receiving nation and giving
nation, giving them source for foreign exchange as helping them eradicate poverty. Hence, with
the ideology that migration offers these two benefits, I can conclude that there will be an
increase in the per capita income, resulting in an increase in human development index. This
analysis further gives rise to another area of discussion and offers a contrasting viewpoint as
well. The fact that external migration is resulting in sourcing the development area by enhancing
allocation of resources, inflowing important remittances, is also defining migration as an
endogenous factor in development. By considering the positive outcome of migration that it
fosters development of the origin nation, it can be concluded that an increase in per capita
income and human development index will increase the gross domestic product (GDP) of the
nation. This means that there will be equitable distribution of income, higher rate of capital
investment and capital formation and low rate of poverty in the origin country
(Siteresources.worldbank.org. 2018). As a result, the economic conditions of the country will
improve further shrinking down migration activities of the nation. This brings me to the
conclusion that migration and development share a positive correlation, until the country reaches
a certain level of development.
By giving a thought to this concept of migration and its impact, I realised that large number of
individuals are migrating to various nations across the world for some reason or other.
Irrespective of their reason for migration, each of them is contributing majorly in bringing
changes in the demography of both the origin and destination nations. The term demography
refers to the science of population of a particular locality, region or nation (Un.org. 2018). With
reference to the principles of demography, a natural increase or growth of demography takes
place by maintaining a balance between the birth rates and death rates. Consecutively, the net
migration refers to maintaining balance between entrances and exits. Hence, two components of
population dynamics come into the limelight. As mentioned by (Fargues, 2011), the size of
population and growth rate are two independent variables for predictive models of migration.
Based on Newtons second law of gravity, (Fargues, 2011) says that the “gravity model of
migration” is derived on the assumption that migration between two nations takes place both
inversely and directly. It is directly proportional to the produce of the population whereas
inversely proportional to the squared distance among them, due to which this model acclaimed
criticism for failing to reflect the complicated human behaviour.
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In agreement to this, (Fargues, 2011) has also presented two arguments to show the relationship
between demography and international migration. As per the first argument, the fact that
migrants pass on the ideas derived from the destination country to their home countries, they
contribute in spreading of practices values encouraging low rate of birth at their origin nations.
This also brings me to the conclusion that international migration gives birth to a small-
populated world, which incidence originally happens in case of zero migration. The second
argument focuses on the symmetrical impact of demographic change reflecting that a decrease in
the birth rate in origin nations creates a new profile for migration. Earlier, the international
migrants would build their families before migrating to new nation, whereas the contemporary
migrants usually take their family with them. As a result, migration before marriage results in no
relative change in age pattern whereas after marriage it results in little procreation of children.
While conversing with my father on general issues, his current lifestyle, the lifestyle of the
Chinese people, China as a nation and trying to understand China from his perspective, I realised
that Australia and China have major differences with respect to ethnicity, culture and religion.
Hence, looking at the sociological and anthropological differences, China and Australia have
major differences in language, culture and lifestyle. The Chinese have their own national
language whereas Australians converse in English, two entirely different modes of
communication. Furthermore, being a student myself, I had deep interest in the education system
practiced in China. To this, my father informed me that education system is the biggest cultural
difference between the two nations. As per the Australian system of imparting education,
students are allowed to ask questions to their educators on lack of understanding whereas in
China, the students do not present any feedback to their educators and just listen to their
teachings (Hu et al., 2013). In addition, based on the specifications offered by my father, the
Chinese prefer urban lifestyle and prefer staying indoors, unlike Australians like us, who are
fond of outdoor activities like swimming at the beach. Additionally, (Moran et al., 2014) say
that the two nations differ on their views towards gender identity, Chinese valuing boys over
girls and Australian believing that women are tougher than men are.
With respect to religion, the Chinese are not monotheistic and have adapted to “plurality of
perceptions”, whereas Australians follow the religion of Christianity. With the evolution of
time, Chinese have been influenced by different religions like Confucianism, Legalism,
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Buddhism, to name a few. My father being a Catholic and strict practitioner of Christianity is
having difficulty in settling with the religious views of the Chinese, as they opposed towards
Catholicism, treating with suspicion. Moreover, Australia is a constitutional monarchy, whereas
China is governed by a Communist Party; creating difficulty for an individual adapted to
democratic and electorate principles of Constitution to sustain in a political scenario of
communism (Hu et al., 2013).
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Conclusion
The international and forced migration activity of my father helped me comprehend the impact
of neoliberal government on the migration regimes across the world. The concept of neoliberal
governmentality is being supported across various nations for bringing economic and political
development. However, neoliberal government is responsible for aggravation of equality in the
developing nations and the developed nations like Australia and China take strict measures
against the refugees, resulting in an increase in migration. Nevertheless, migration is also
considered as a threat due to security reasons. With reference to my father’s experience, the
sudden political disturbance between the relations of China and Australia over the issue of
foreign interference resulted in a change in the behaviour of the Chinese towards the Australians
living in China and similar behaviour has been observed in Australia as well. The political
disturbances between the nations gave birth to a clash of views among its citizens. Hence, based
on my overall analysis, I can conclude that a migratory movement of one individual has an
adverse impact on social changes in the developing nations as well as on the migrant and the
family of the migrant.
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References
Estudiosdeldesarrollo.mx. (2018). [online] Available at:
http://www.estudiosdeldesarrollo.mx/administracion/docentes/documentos_personales/
10216RDW-HM%20Social%20Analysis%202009.pdf [Accessed 17 Mar. 2018].
Fargues, P., 2011. International migration and the demographic transition: A two‐way
interaction. International Migration Review, 45(3), pp.588-614.
Hu, C., Chand, P. and Evans, E., 2013. The effect of national culture, acculturation, and
education on accounting judgments: A comparative study of Australian and Chinese
culture. Journal of International Accounting Research, 12(2), pp.51-77.
Lei, C., 2013. Globalization, Migration, and (Under) Development?/Mondialisation, migrations
et (sous) développement?. Glendon Journal of International Studies/Revue d'études
internationales de Glendon, 6.
Lindenwood.edu. (2018). [online] Available at: http://www.lindenwood.edu/files/resources/1-
16.pdf [Accessed 17 Mar. 2018].
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2018].
Moran, R.T., Abramson, N.R. and Moran, S.V., 2014. Managing cultural differences. Routledge.
Newland, K. (2018). Migration as a Factor in Development and Poverty Reduction. [online]
migrationpolicy.org. Available at: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/migration-factor-
development-and-poverty-reduction [Accessed 17 Mar. 2018].
Newworldencyclopedia.org. (2018). Human migration - New World Encyclopedia. [online]
Available at: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Human_migration [Accessed 17 Mar.
2018].
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Siteresources.worldbank.org. (2018). [online] Available at:
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/TOPICS/Resources/214970-1288877981391/
Migration&Development-Ratha-GFMD_2010a.pdf [Accessed 17 Mar. 2018].
Un.org. (2018). [online] Available at:
http://www.un.org/esa/population/migration/turin/Symposium_Turin_files/
P09_SYMP_Taylor.pdf [Accessed 17 Mar. 2018].
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