Migration, Economy and Society

About

This module will discuss migration by situating it within broader social and economic context. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of human mobility, it conceives of migration as an intrinsic part of broader processes of economic and social change a, instead of as a ‘problem to be solved’. Drawing on empirical and theoretical work, this module will consider some contradictions and continuities in the way migration has been understood in social science scholarship. We will explore how migration impacts keys area of the economy and society, including some implications from a public health perspective. This module will encourage students to critically assess migration not merely as an isolated phenomenon, but as an integral aspect of complex global flows of capital, labour, and cultural exchange. By examining both historical and contemporary examples, participants will be able to 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 aims to foster a nuanced understanding of migration as a dynamic and multifaceted aspect of modern society and economy.

Course leader

Dr Chiara Amini

Target group

This is a level one module (equivalent to first year undergraduate). No prior subject knowledge is required to study this module but students are expected to have a keen interest in the subject area.

Course aim

Upon successful completion of this module, students will:

Recognise how migration has been theorised in the broader social sciences.
Apply economic and sociological theories in the analysis different migratory flows and their evolution
Analyse and evaluate the impact of migration on key labour market outcomes, in both the sending and the receiving countries
Analyse economic and social factors that shaped migrants lived experience in the receiving countries, such as the discussion around integration
Synthesise ideas related to key contemporary issues in migration studies and defend a theoretical position.

Fee info