New Insights and Methods in Studying the Socio-economic Determinants of Migration

Abstract

Migrant and refugee crises are built upon economic, social, cultural, humanitarian, and other disparities between origin and destination countries. Depending on how efficient they are managed, these crises can deepen or soften the problems in origin and the destination countries. The thesis explores possible answers to the questions “Why did these crises appear?” and “How can they be skillfully handled to not undermine in any way neither the origin nor the destination area?” being focused on understanding the migration drivers and on possible ways to manage migration crisis efficiently. The thesis revolves around the hypothesis that migration decisions are a synthesis of economic, social, cultural, and technological factors that change continuously and impact both the origin and the destination regions. Qualitative and quantitative methods were employed, the thesis’s analyses bring valuable inputs to the theoretical and methodological approaches to the existing literature on migration drivers. Moreover, the thesis's results have practical implications for policymakers through its suggestions and recommendations that reinforce the idea that migration and culture are essential means in achieving sustainable development.