From U Michigan: Migrant Values and Beliefs: How Are They Different and How Do They Change?

J Ethn Migr Stud. 2014 Jan 1;40(5):796-813.

Migrant Values and Beliefs: How Are They Different and How Do They Change?

Williams NE1, Thornton A2, Young-Demarco LC3.

Author information

1Jackson School of International Studies and Department of Sociology, University of Washington.
2Population Studies Center, University of Michigan, arlandt@umich.edu.
3Population Studies Center, University of Michigan, lyoungdm@umich.edu.

Abstract

This is a study of the values of migrants. We examine processes of selection-how values affect migration-and adaptation-how migration influencesvalue changes. Empirical analyses use a unique collection of data that combines detailed information on values from a representative sample of non-migrants in Nepal with a representative sample of Nepali migrants living in the Persian Gulf. Results suggest that migrants were selected from those who were more materialistic, less committed to religion and more family-oriented. In terms of adaptation, our results are consistent with the idea that migrants become more religious, less committed to historical Nepali values, and change ideas about family-orientation in mixed ways. Thus, we find that value adaptations of migrants are complex processes that could have immense impacts on ideational diffusion around the world.