ABSTRACT
The "relatively permanent moving away" differentiates migration from population mobility; to be considered a migration, a movement must include a relatively permanent change of residence. In sum, forced migration is distinguished from voluntary migration by the diminished power of decision in the former, sometimes reaching an extreme in which the forced migrants are totally powerless. Migration becomes a means of escaping from a threatening situation, but the forced migrant is more oriented toward retention or reestablishment of past conditions than the voluntary migrant. Using that terminology, forced or involuntary migration occurs because of the strength of the push element. Forced movements are often closely connected with a controlling social organization that overpowers individuals and directs their movements in one way or another, whereas voluntary migration is often less closely connected with such organizations. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
