Levitt, Peggy and Ninna Nyberg-Sorensen. “The transnational turn in migration studies.” Global Migration Perspectives. Global Commission on International Migration, 2004.
The article ‘The transnational turn in migration studies’ by Levitt, Peggy and Ninna Nyberg-Sorensen focuses on trans nationalism and the policy implications of the same. In additional, the article focuses on ways and means through which transnational practices of the migrants can be used to bring about development. To meet their goals, authors start by conceptualizing an approach to transnational migration. Some policies that are meant to control the benefits of transnational migration are also fully examined. The results indicate that the main problem emanates from the fact that current policies do not address the issue of benefits of transnational migration adequately. The article concludes by recommendations to the policy makers in future aimed at solving the current problems of migration development. With that background in mind, this paper examines whether the article gives a complete analysis of the gaps in the current migration policies. In addition, since the main aim is to come up with sound recommendation for the future policy makers, the paper will also give a critique to the recommendations.
The article gives an appropriate background since it starts by addressing the issue of transnational migration. It clearly traces the approach of transnational approach from the 1990s when it was observed that theories by then could not accommodate the transnational practices of migrants. Most importantly, the article illustrates the advantages and the disadvantages of conceptualizing migration experience in different approaches. Apart from that, it comprehensively discusses means through which migrants contribute to development of the host as well as to their country of origin. The article has managed to point out some key issues that future policy makers should bear in mind while developing some migration polices. The same help to pinpoint some pitfalls of the current policies as well as some factors related to migrants that hinder development. For instance, in most cases, migrants do not have any trust with the government and therefore, they are usually not willing to send any help. Although the article has highlighted some barriers that prevent some transnational policies from being effective, the conclusion provides some viable solutions to the same (Castles).
It is not easy to negate the fact that the article has succeeded in illustrating the complexity of the whole issue involving migrants and development. More specifically, any one reading through the article is able understand the complexity of the issue at hand as the authors have traced and explicitly explained factors affecting transnational development. Nevertheless, although the article has some recommendations in the conclusion, they are not enough while compared to the issues and the problems which have been identified. Every study ought to aim at providing solution to the problems present in a specific filed. Instead of majoring in providing solutions, the article focuses more on explaining the problems affecting transnational migrants. For example, towards the end, the article states, “We are entering in to unexplored policy making territory. There are no easy ways to balance transnational migrants’ resources, rights and responsibilities” (Levitt and Nyberg-Sorensen pp. 10).
Nevertheless, the article is well written and quite informative. It is not only clear, but also easy to understand as the authors cite significant examples. Moreover, it contains crucial recommendations for further research. Although it does not give immediate solutions, the article has succeeded in suggesting the way forward which can only be achieved by conducting further research aimed at understanding the operation of individuals and organizations in other nations. Were it not for the fact that the article has addressed many complex issues at the same time, considerable effort has been put in meeting the main goals.
Works Cited
Castles, Stephen. “Understanding Global Migration: A Social Transformation Perspective.” Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 36.10 (2010): 1565 – 1586.
Levitt, Peggy and Ninna Nyberg-Sorensen. “The transnational turn in migration studies .” Global Migration Perspectives. Global Commision on International Migration, 2004.
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