The interdisciplinary field of migration studies is split into internal and international migration, characterised by different literatures, concepts, methods and policy agendas. Most migration scholars nowadays research international migration, even though, quantitatively, internal migration is more important. Yet the distinction between internal and international moves becomes increasingly blurred, not only because of geopolitical events and the changing nature and configuration of borders, but also because migrants' journeys are becoming increasingly multiple, complex and fragmented. We present a schematic model that sets out 10 migration pathways that combine internal and international migration, and return migration, in various sequenced relationships. We survey the limited literature that attempts to compare and integrate internal and international migration within the same theoretical framework, both general models and some case-study literature from Mexico. We consider three approaches where theoretical transfer seems to hold potential: systems approaches, migrant integration, and the migration–development nexus. We conclude that considerable potential exists for integrating the study of internal and international migration, at both the theoretical and the empirical level. Too often one is studied without reference to the other, yielding a partial analysis. However, we baulk at attempting any 'grand theory' of migration which incorporates all types of migration, in all places and at all times.

Russell King

Ronald Skeldon

Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies

The Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (JEMS) publishes the results of first-class research on all forms of migration and its consequences, together with articles on ethnic conflict, discrimination, racism, nationalism, citizenship and policies of integration. Contributions to the journal, which are all fully refereed, are especially welcome when they are the result of original empirical research that makes a clear contribution to the field of migration    JEMS has a long-standing interest in informed policy debate and contributions are welcomed which seek to develop the implications of research for policy innovation, or which evaluate the results of previous initiatives. The journal is also interested in publishing the results of theoretical work.

The Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (JEMS) is dedicated to publishing high-quality research results on all forms of migration and their consequences. It also welcomes articles on ethnic conflict, discrimination, racism, nationalism, citizenship, and integration policies. Contributions that stem from original empirical research and make a clear contribution to the field of migration are especially encouraged. JEMS has a long-standing interest in informed policy debate, and contributions that seek to develop the implications of research for policy innovation or evaluate the outcomes of previous initiatives are welcomed. The journal is also open to publishing results from theoretical work.

《Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies》致力于发表关于各种形式的移民及其后果的高水平研究成果，同时也欢迎涉及种族冲突、歧视、种族主义、民族主义、公民身份和融合政策的文章。期刊特别欢迎那些基于原创实证研究的贡献，这些研究能够对移民领域做出明确的贡献。《Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies》长期关注政策辩论，欢迎那些旨在发展研究对政策创新影响的贡献，或评估以往举措成果的文章。期刊也对理论研究成果的发表持开放态度。

Category	Quartile
社会学	1
社会学, 民族研究	1
社会学, 人口学	2

‘Mind the Gap!’ Integrating Approaches to Internal and International Migration

ivySCI AI Smartly Parses PDF, Answers Researchers' Questions, and Helps You Understand Papers in Seconds

Journal Info

Category	Quartile
ETHNIC STUDIES	1