An analysis of migratory systems: 1. Theory

El enfoque de sistemas migratorios revisitado. Una propuesta teórica para el estudio del sistema migratorio de América Latina y el Caribe

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es revisitar los orígenes, desarrollo, límites y potencialidades del enfoque de sistemas migratorios, para formular una propuesta teórica que, a la hora de analizar la conformación, retroalimentación y reconfiguración de los sistemas migratorios, considere el papel de la estructura, de los factores de carácter meso (como las instituciones o los colectivos) y de la agencia migrante (individual y colectiva). Partimos para ello, de una perspectiva crítica dialéctica que establece un vínculo entre los elementos del sistema con los condicionantes estructurales, al tiempo que recupera la agencia migrante, principalmente en su dimensión colectiva. Nuestra propuesta será aplicada exploratoriamente al estudio del sistema migratorio de América Latina y el Caribe en el periodo 1970-2018. Más allá de una mera descripción de los principales rasgos del sistema y sus subsistemas, tratamos de mostrar los elementos que condicionan su estabilidad y evolución, resaltando, además de los elementos clásicos de los sistemas, el peso de los condicionantes estructurales, así como de las resistencias y estrategias desarrolladas por los colectivos migrantes.

Networks, Linkages, and Migration Systems

Recent theoretical interest in migration systems calls attention to the functions of diverse linkages between countries in stimulating, directing and maintaining international flows of people. This article proposes a conceptual framework for the nonpeople linkages in international migration systems and discusses the implications for population movement of the four categories and three types of linkages that define the framework.

Information, communication and networks in international migration systems

"This paper focuses on the role of information and communication in international migration by means of a survey which covers economic and broader perspectives, both at the micro and macro levels. The human capital model of migration is reviewed and the likely impact of recent and anticipated developments in telecommunications technology is noted. The job search model is reformulated in the context of international migration but extensive modification is required to describe the potential sampling of job offers and other informational needs of international migrants. It is argued that spatial selectivity is to a large extent influenced by migration networks in which information flows play a critical role. This is further elucidated by offering an analytical framework based on the systems approach to migration."

Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan population trends in Canada, 1966-1982

"The purpose of this paper is to discuss the recent dynamics of spatial population distribution in Canada. More specifically, we examine the effect of interregional migration flows on growth and decline in Canadian regions. Our analysis is based on an annual series of aggregate migration at the metropolitan level, which supplements the information available in existing census-year studies and further clarifies the impact of international migrants on recent spatial population trends in Canada." (SUMMARY IN FRE)