ABSTRACT
This chapter details how current estimates of internal and international migration downplay their importance to global, regional, and national dynamics, to migrants themselves, and to the households and communities that migrants support. We argue that research and teaching must better recognize the complexity of migration processes, including delving beneath headline global or national figures to explore how these play out at regional or local levels. Debunking migration myths must be a priority, as well as using case studies to highlight the depth and complexity of migration issues. Policy responses to migration must understand who is migrating, and why – and should contextualize these movements against the relevant developmental, demographic, societal and political transitions, to see how these shape migration trends at national, regional, and global levels. Finally, the chapter considers the role of remittances, skilled migration, and diaspora in contributing to desired development goals and objectives. The flows of people and resources between sender and recipient countries highlights the importance and influence of global interconnectedness both at ‘home’ and ‘abroad.’
