Key concepts in the migration–development nexus

The document provides a comprehensive glossary of terms for the MIGNEX project, focusing on the 'migration–development nexus'. It advocates for a nuanced approach to migration, replacing simple forced/voluntary dichotomies with models based on aspirations and abilities. It defines development as a multi-dimensional process of expanding human capabilities and introduces 'specific developments' as concrete societal changes that influence migration decisions. The guide also outlines the relationship between migration policy, development policy, and policy coherence.

• The 'migration–development nexus' is defined as the total set of mechanisms where migration and development dynamics influence one another.
• MIGNEX adopts an 'aspiration/ability' model of migration, where 'ability' is the capacity to overcome barriers to convert aspirations into actual movement, and 'involuntary immobility' occurs when individuals have the aspiration to migrate but lack the ability.
• The document argues against the 'forced/voluntary' dichotomy in migration, stating that 'forced migration' is an analytically flawed term that misrepresents the role of migrant decision-making and excludes certain types of force like deportation.
• Development is framed as a multi-dimensional, individual, and systemic process centered on the 'expansion of capabilities' and the enlargement of people's choices.
• The guide introduces 'specific developments' as concrete, context-specific societal changes—such as major infrastructure projects, livelihood collapses, or new educational opportunities—that influence migration decisions at local or regional levels.
• Policy interventions in the migration-development nexus are categorized into three types: migration policy (regulating flows), development policy (promoting development, which can be an indirect migration policy via 'root causes'), and measures to increase the development benefits of migration (e.g., reducing remittance costs).
• Migration infrastructure is described as the interlinked technologies, institutions, and actors—including commercial, regulatory, technological, humanitarian, and social dimensions—that facilitate and condition mobility.

APA

Carling, J. (2019). Key concepts in the migration–development nexus. Peace Research Institute Oslo. https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/27e38556-f694-4bc7-8b42-5a0e37470fde/D021-MHC02-Key-concepts-v2p-2019-03-12.pdf?inline=true

Chicago

Carling, Jørgen. Key concepts in the migration–development nexus. Peace Research Institute Oslo, 2019. https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/27e38556-f694-4bc7-8b42-5a0e37470fde/D021-MHC02-Key-concepts-v2p-2019-03-12.pdf?inline=true.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Carling |first1=Jørgen |title=Key concepts in the migration–development nexus |publisher=Peace Research Institute Oslo |date=March 2019 |url=https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/27e38556-f694-4bc7-8b42-5a0e37470fde/D021-MHC02-Key-concepts-v2p-2019-03-12.pdf?inline=true |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{carling2019key, author = {Carling, Jørgen}, title = {{Key concepts in the migration–development nexus}}, institution = {Peace Research Institute Oslo}, year = {2019}, month = mar, url = {https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/27e38556-f694-4bc7-8b42-5a0e37470fde/D021-MHC02-Key-concepts-v2p-2019-03-12.pdf?inline=true}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }