Publications
Recent theoretical developments on migration decision-making
This paper presents recent theoretical and methodological developments relating to the trajectories, temporalities and dynamics of decision-making in migration, especially in the context of migration processes within and beyond the Global South. The conceptual framework lays the basis of empirical research on diverse migrations in selected African countries and their European diasporas.
Innovative methods for studying migration dynamics: Insights from the DYNAMIG project
This report presents methodological insights from the DYNAMIG project, which studies migration decision-making as a dynamic and evolving process rather than a one-off choice. Gender mainstreaming is essential. Gender norms and inequalities shape migration aspirations and constraints and affect who can be reached by different research methods. Social media advertising enables fast, scalable recruitment for survey experiments in the Global South, but systematically produces gender and access biases that require active correction and monitoring. Elite conjoint survey experiments provide structured and rare evidence on how policymakers and experts understand migration drivers and policy levers, complementing migrant-focused data. Digital diaries capture migration decision-making as it unfolds over time, revealing shifts in aspirations, emotions, and information that retrospective approaches miss. Visual elicitation tools, such as the Blob Bridge, help access affective and relational dimensions of migration that are difficult to verbalize through standard interviews. Overall, the report shows that migration research benefits from combining complementary methods within designs that are context-sensitive, ethically grounded, especially if researchers are aware of and appropriately deal with their limits.
Policing borders or providing prospects? How opportunity shapes mobility
Recent research suggests that improving living conditions and prospects can reduce the desire to migrate, an insight further explored in an ongoing DYNAMIG study. Lena Detlefsen, Tobias Heidland and Claas Schneiderheinze argue that fostering optimism and opportunity in countries of origin may be more effective than the restrictive border control measures Western countries often prioritise.
Cutting aid, fuelling irregular migration? The possible unintended effects of global aid cuts
Aid has been increasingly used to control migration, although its effectiveness remains debated. Pointing to new evidence suggesting aid used to improve living conditions can indeed reduce migration aspirations, Anna Knoll and Tobias Heidland warn that global aid cuts might backfire.
Video series – Work in progress: DYNAMIG research findings
In this series of short videos, the DYNAMIG project team dive into the research they are conducting and share some initial findings.
Gender in migration aspirations and decision-making, trajectories and policies
Omololá Olárìndé, Lena Detlefsen, Melissa E. Tornari, Eleonore Kofman, Tobias Heidland and Abdulfatai Salawudeen look at recent discussions on how social norms, culture and class intersect with gender in migration decisions, focusing on Africa. Their paper explores how individual characteristics and institutions influence gendered migration decisions
From data to decisions: How DYNAMIG can contribute to better migration policies
How do people decide whether to migrate? Do migration policies take into account decisions, preferences and behaviour? And do these policies influence people’s decisions? Tobias Heidland explains why these questions are essential and how the DYNAMIG project aims to contribute to a better understanding of migration decisions, migration policymaking and policy effectiveness.
Conceptual framework: Report of synthesis of recent theoretical developments
This paper looks at recent discussions and trends on African migration, and reviews recent theoretical and methodological developments on migration decision-making within and beyond Africa. By doing so, it seeks to better understand the decision-making process of heterogeneous groups of aspiring migrants at different stages in their potential and actual journeys.