Structural Forces and Personal Journeys: Examining Migration in the Americas

Undergraduate / Graduate

Why do people migrate, and what shapes their integration experience in receiving societies? This introductory level seminar examines the core theoretical frameworks explaining global migration and integration, with a primary focus on the Western Hemisphere. It explores the structural factors influencing the decision to move across national borders and reception in receiving locales. We will investigate the role of race, gender, class, citizenship status and other constructs in shaping both migration and integration processes as well as the role of agency to analyze how people respond to structural constraints. As a final project, students will conduct an interview with someone with experience of global migration, applying theoretical insights to understand the macro and micro forces shaping that decision and their integration in receiving society. Designed for broad applicability, this course is particularly useful for students in public policy, social work, human rights, sociology, and political science.