The replacement of permanent movements by transnationalism as the dominant paradigm in migration studies has raised new questions for demographic measurement and study of migration. This study rethinks demographic concepts of population and migration to incorporate elements such as diaspora, circular migration, and transnational linkages. It shows how use of traditional demographic data with integrated quantitative and qualitative research can yield important insights into diaspora, in particular, the diaspora–migration–development nexus. Four country case studies are undertaken to increase understanding of the characteristics of diasporas, their international linkages, and their potential for enhancing development in origin countries.

The project started in 2017.

Publications:

Yan, T., X. Liu, A. Rosser, B.S.A. Yeoh and F. Guo. (2018). 'Transnationalism, diaspora and development: A purposive review of the literature'. Geography Compass, 12(12): 1-20. doi: 10.1111/gec3.12413.

Wee, K. and B.S.A. Yeoh, Serial Migration, Multiple Belongings and Orientations toward the Future: The Perspective of Middle-class Migrants in Singapore. Journal of Sociology, 57, no. 1 (2021), 94-110, doi: 10.1177/1440783320960521.