The Classical Economic Theory And Economic Theories Of Migration

Migration study is complex because it involves different processes and people in both sending and receiving countries, and, consequently, the literature on the field is vast and implies diverse theories and approaches. No theories is claimed to be correct or has predominance over all the other theories . The literature is often scattered and it is difficult to find a theory that deals completely. Scholars may focus on the variable the most related to their field, for example economists focus on economic problems. It however rises several problems because a universal theory cannot be applied to all the specific cases, as a matter of fact each case has its own definition, and, therefore, its own theory. As Stephan Castles argued, “a general theory of migration is neither possible nor desirable” . …show more content…
In addition, these approaches influence the visions that drive policy-makers in the migration field. The understanding of the causes that pushed and pulled the migrants to leave their country and move into another one, are necessary to understand the public opinion. It is influenced by the motifs of migration because it may perceive them in differently ways. As a result, in the next section two main theories of migration will be analyzed which then will be explained who Italy may embody the two theories. Economic Theories of Migration Within the economic theory of migration, it is important to distinguish the classical theory and the new economics of migrants . The classical economic theory of migration argues that individuals decide to migrate where they can maximize their profits and improve their well-being. Thus, migrants base their “search” on the resources that a country can offer; and, a “competition” between receiving countries rises. Generally, migration flows are depended either on the density of a country, the income capacities of a country, or the economic fluctuation of the region. The economic theory is also called “push-pull” theory , in other words, it is based on the variables that cause individuals to leave their country, and variables that appeal individuals to move into a country. The decision is made on a “rational comparison” of advantages and disadvantages related to the individuals. The basic finding of this theory is the fact that migration flows are mainly caused by economic disparities among countries, and in particular between Global North and Global South. According George Borjas, this type of migration would have a negative impact into the receiving country in the long-run, because it would indicate the decline of the average skills of the areas , or other scholars believe that migration flows for the purpose of economic maximization will lead to an “economic equilibrium”. The distinction between migration and human mobility is subtle, but human mobility is regarded as a positive phenomenon because it would concern the mobility of high-skilled people that will enforce the economy of a country, while migration is negatively regarded because it would involve low-skilled individuals. Thus, migration would be still based on a process of inequalities, discrimination, xenophobia and strict control. Such theory has been rightly criticized because it does not take into account those people who do not have the financial capabilities to leave developing countries and to move into developed countries. Economic theorists considers economic migrants, individuals who belong to a middle class which state is experiencing economic changes and difficulties. Furthermore, the theory has been criticized because