Unit 3: Migration Data
Possibilities, Limitations, and Politicization
Thematic Cluster: Knowledge Production, Categorization, and Counting in Migration Research
This unit is part of the thematic cluster Knowledge Production, Categorization, and Counting in Migration Research offering critical reflections on how migration-related categories are produced, counted, and politicized. Other units in this cluster are:
“If it is not measured, it doesn’t exist. If it is not counted, it doesn’t count”
(Andreas and Greenhill 2010, p.1)
Welcome to this topic dedicated to migration data, its strengths and weaknesses. In it we will focus on exploring:
- What kind of migration data exists? Who collects it, how and for what kind of purposes?
- What are the sources of migration data? What are their possibilities and limitations? How did migration measurement tools evolve in the digital era? Do they help overcome previous data limitations?
- How and why is migration data so often politicized? Can migration data be ‘objective’ and ‘neutral’?
The topic is in three sections, each dedicated to the core questions above. Together, they will give you an overview of the current global state of migration data infrastructure, its possibilities and limitations, as well as inform you why we need to be critical and cautious in analysing any currently widespread political use of migration data.
The three sections are:
- Migration data: definitions, importance, indicators.
- Sources of migration data, their strengths and limitations.
- The politicization of migration data.
Throughout the unit you will have the opportunity – which we highly recommend you take – to explore additional sources of information through the Exercises sections. Independent analytical work will help you develop a more nuanced understanding of the core information provided in the unit.
A short reading list is provided at the end; this will guide you on how you can further explore different aspects of migration data.
After you have completed this unit, you will have developed the following skills:
- how to find relevant and up-to-date data about migration and migrants;
- how to critically assess its quality;
- how to become a competent user of current media and political narratives about migration.
