ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we focus on decision-making processes in migration through the threshold approach. This approach distinguishes between three thresholds, each of which (potential) migrants need to overcome to reach a foreseen destination. These are the thresholds of indifference, location and trajectory. Thereby, we argue that the exact significance and role of each of these thresholds, their order and/or their repetitive nature will differ from one migration movement to the next. With the aid of three empirical cases focusing on (potential) Ghanaian migrants, intra-EU migration, and Syrian and Pashtun refugees on the way to Europe, we seek to show how thresholds impact the mobility of migrants and their networks. This perspective helps to understand how changing rationalities, associated perceptions, and all manner of external influences of economic, social and political nature result in shifting objectives, changes in foreseen final destinations, and continual adjustments to their trajectories.
