Migration, Economy and Society

About

This module situates migration within broader social and economic contexts. To gain a comprehensive understanding of human mobility, it conceives migration as an intrinsic part of wider processes of economic and social change, rather than as a “problem to be solved”. Drawing on empirical and theoretical work, you will examine contradictions and continuities in how migration has been understood in social science scholarship and explore how migration affects key areas of the economy and society, including implications from a public health perspective.

You are encouraged to assess migration not as an isolated phenomenon but as an integral aspect of complex global flows of capital, labour and cultural exchange. By examining historical and contemporary examples, you will observe how migration patterns evolve in response to shifting economic demands, political decisions and social transformations.

Through theoretical frameworks, empirical literature, case studies and data exploration, the module fosters a nuanced understanding of migration as a dynamic and multifaceted aspect of modern society and the economy.

Course leader

Dr Chiara Amini

Course aim

This module aims to:

- Examine theories of migration, including differences between regular and irregular migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and gender differences.
- Analyse social, legal, economic and psychological factors that facilitate or undermine integration.
- Explore the role of diasporas in facilitating migration, offering support, and maintaining national ties and cultural practices.
- Introduce the basic principles of epidemiology.
- Investigate complex causal mechanisms between migration and health, including access to healthcare.
- Analyse the transmission and prevention of communicable diseases, including screening and sexual health.
- Examine issues relating to alienation, anxiety, depression and suicide among migrants.
- Consider global migratory flows of healthcare professionals.
- Analyse how diaspora and community support, cultural and language factors, poverty and the labour market influence migrant health and integration.

Fee info