Labour Migration

According to the World Migration Report 2010 more people migrate than ever before, many of them to work. This seminar seeks to understand labour migration around the world, with a special focus on migration patterns and processes towards and within Europe.

We examine labour migrant definitions and concepts as well as empirical data on trends of migrant flows. In Europe (and elsewhere) demographic, economic and labour-market related changes have resulted in increased demand for skilled foreigners. We will therefore take a look at different occupational groups of highly skilled migrants (e.g. IT experts, managers, scientists). However, the majority of migrant workers admitted to OECD countries are being employed in so-called low-skilled jobs. Therefore, low-skilled labour migration will also be of special interest (e.g. in household and caring sector).

We will discuss economic, political and social consequences of (high and low-skilled) labour migration for sending and receiving countries as well as individual strategies of migrants. This seminar concludes with possibilities of managing labour migration in Europe.

Please note this course will be taught in English. However, students with a fair knowledge of English who are prepared to read English texts are very welcome to join and openly discuss a highly current and relevant topic.

Requirements

regular attendance, oral presentations and essays

Recommended reading

Castles, Stephen; Miller, Mark J. (2009). The age of migration. International population movements in the modern world. Hampshire, London: Macmillan. 4. Edition.

Martin, Philip; Abello, Manolo; Kuptsch, Christiane (2006). Managing labor migration in the twenty-first century. Yale University Press.