Migration and the Transfer of Informal Human Capital
Insights from Central Europe and Mexico
Izabela Grabowska author Agata Jastrzebowska author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Published:10th Jan '22
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This insightful book examines how international migrants develop and transfer informal human capital through their experiences abroad, highlighting their valuable skills.
In Migration and the Transfer of Informal Human Capital, the author delves into the significant yet often overlooked aspect of human capital that international migrants possess. By utilizing case studies and original data from regions such as Mexico-USA and Central Europe, the book highlights the intangible skills and knowledge that migrants bring with them and develop further while abroad. These insights challenge traditional views of migrants as merely economic contributors, showcasing their potential for growth and adaptation in new environments.
The narrative emphasizes that many migrants may find themselves in positions that do not align with their formal qualifications. Yet, despite this, they often acquire valuable informal human capital—comprising mind skills, soft skills, maker skills, and life skills. The book meticulously analyzes how this migration-impacted informal human capital, referred to as MigCap, is developed and transferred across different contexts. The exploration of opportunity and constraint structures surrounding these processes offers a unique perspective on the complexities of migration.
Moving beyond economic considerations, Migration and the Transfer of Informal Human Capital underscores the role of social interactions in enhancing intangible human capital. Through learning by observing, communicating, and engaging with others, both skilled and unskilled migrants can significantly enrich their capabilities. This comprehensive approach makes the book a valuable resource for researchers in migration studies, sociology, economics, and related social sciences, providing a deeper understanding of the multifaceted experiences of migrants.
"Izabela Grabowska and Agata Jastrzebowska have produced a rich and insightful discussion of the state of knowledge in one of the most pressing research topics: the acquisition, transfer and utilisation of human capital by international migrants and returned migrants. They weave theoretical discussion with a review of empirical research in two of the ‘hot spots’ of labour migration, Central Europe and Mexico, ranging from overviews to micro case studies that draw on their own extensive research. The volume is both an invaluable starting point for researchers new to the field, and a stimulus for more advanced researchers to rethink their understanding of this field." – Professor Allan Williams, University of Surrey, SHTM, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
"This is indispensable reading on the acquisition and transfer of human capital across international boundaries, and the implications for local development. The authors provide a thought-provoking theoretical discussion on the topic, and then explore the ways in which researchers have applied it in different national contexts. The authors’ impressive survey of the empirical literature on the topic demonstrates the ways in which different migrant groups – from women to men to professionals to those with little schooling – mobilize human capital to enhance economic opportunities. Migration and the Transfer of Human Capital is an essential read for students, scholars, and policymakers alike." – Professor Jacqueline Maria Hagan, Kenan Distinguished Professor of Sociology, Fellow, Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
ISBN: 9780367820312
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 285g
144 pages