Abstract
In this study, the researcher used data from the World Values Survey seventh wave to explore attitudes towards migration with a specific focus on the influence of gender, age, and education. By examining perspectives on the impact of migration on the development of countries and the people's attitudes towards allowing migrants or immigrants, the researcher aims to shed light on the complex dynamics of this global phenomenon. Cross-tabulations, mean values, and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyse the variance on gender, while the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to explore variance based on age, education, and countries. The results reveal a striking diversity in respondents' perspectives, shaped by a multitude of factors such as gender, age, educational background, and country of origin. Overall, the implications of this study suggest that policy makers need to adopt a sophisticated and context-specific approach to migration policy, taking into account the complex social and cultural factors that shape attitudes towards migration.
TopReview Of Literature
The literature review is categorized into two broad sections: theoretical concepts and empirical studies conducted.
Theoretical Framework
The word ‘’Migration’ is the process of moving from one region or country to another, usually with the intention of settling in a new place (Miller, 2009). People may migrate for various reasons, such as seeking better economic opportunities, escaping persecution or conflict, or joining family members. Migration can be voluntary or forced, and it can be temporary or permanent (Miller, 2009).
And the word ‘Immigration’, on the other hand, refers to the act of entering and settling in a new country as a permanent resident. Immigration often involves a legal process, such as obtaining a visa or applying for citizenship, and can be subject to immigration laws and regulations of the host country. While migration refers to any movement of people from one place to another, immigration specifically refers to the movement of people into a new country as permanent residents. (International Organization for Migration, 2023)
The field of migration studies has made substantial contributions to our comprehension of human mobility and the varied dimensions of migration. It has generated a distinct knowledge base concerning the motivations for migration, the mechanisms of migration, and the multifaceted impacts on migrants and the involved societies. This interdisciplinary field has emerged at the intersection of disciplines such as sociology, political science, anthropology, geography, law, and economics. Moreover, it has expanded to encompass health studies, development studies, governance studies, and other fields, incorporating insights from these diverse domains. (Scholten, 2022)
Global migration intentions are fuelled by growing inequalities and unmet aspirations. Gallup World Poll surveys reveal that over 750 million adults desire to migrate, representing just one in eight adults worldwide. This seemingly low fraction is contrasted by the vast number of individuals who have compelling reasons to seek better opportunities in economic, professional, political, or social spheres elsewhere. However, only a small portion of those aspiring to migrate are able to fulfil their aspirations (Czaika & Reinprecht, 2022).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Education Level: In the context of the World Values Survey (WVS), is categorized into three broad groups: lower, middle, and higher. This classification captures the varying levels of formal education attained by individuals participating in the survey. The lower education level typically refers to individuals with limited or basic education, such as primary or secondary schooling. The middle education level encompasses those with intermediate educational qualifications, such as vocational training or some college education. The higher education level includes individuals with advanced degrees or extensive higher education, such as bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees.
Age: As a demographic factor, refers to the categorization of individuals based on their chronological development. In this research it is classified into three ranges: 16-29 years, 30-49 years, and 50+ years. These age categories serve as important indicators for understanding the social, economic, and cultural characteristics of different population segments. This demographic dimension plays a significant role in studying topics such as migration, societal changes, and policy implications.
Global perspectives on migration: It encompasses diverse viewpoints and approaches in analysing the global phenomenon of migration. It involves studying migration patterns, causes, and consequences across regions, considering social, economic, political, and cultural factors. These perspectives recognize migration as a global issue impacting both sending and receiving countries.
Gender: refers to the social and cultural roles associated with being male or female. It goes beyond biology and includes norms and expectations that shape individuals' identities and interactions. It influences social roles, access to resources, and power dynamics.
The World Values Survey (WVS): A global research program examining social, political, economic, religious, and cultural values worldwide. Started in 1981 by Professor Ronald Inglehart from the University of Michigan, the WVS assesses the impact of values stability or change on the development of countries and societies. Operating in over 120 societies, it conducts a representative comparative social survey every 5 years. With extensive geographic and thematic coverage, and freely available survey data, the WVS is one of the most authoritative and widely-used cross-national surveys in the social sciences. It is currently the largest non-commercial investigation of human beliefs and values.