“Why do people migrate?” is a question that forms the pivot of migration studies, and migration theory in particular. But it has hardly found satisfactory answers. In this article, I reapproach the question from an array of diverse angles and provide eight responses. Some are aligned with recent theoretical developments, others unpack long-standing ideas with evolving significance, and still others are fundamentally atheoretical. Together, they show how the question can be answered, how it is being answered—even inadvertently or misleadingly—and what the implications are of answering the question in different ways. These are the responses, which each initiates a discussion: (1) For the reasons under which they are admitted as immigrants; (2) For reasons that are socially legitimate; (3) Because the sum of push and pull factors is in favor of migration; (4) Because they have the aspiration and the ability to do so; (5) Because an opportunity presents itself; (6) Either because they chose to or because they are forced to; (7) Because they see migration as either intrinsically or instrumentally valuable; (8) To lead a normal life. The discussions demonstrate how theoretical, methodological and political dimensions of migration sway the ways in which reasons for migration are understood and represented. “Why do people migrate?” is slippery as a research question, but its indeterminate nature makes it a guiding light for research that navigates a diversity of perspectives with humility and curiosity.

中文翻译：

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人们为什么要迁移？对移民研究基本问题的新看法


“人们为什么要迁移？”这个问题构成了移民研究，特别是移民理论的核心。但它几乎没有找到令人满意的答案。在这篇文章中，我从一系列不同的角度重新探讨这个问题，并提供八个答案。其中一些与最近的理论发展相一致，另一些则阐释了具有不断发展的意义的长期思想，还有一些从根本上来说是非理论的。它们共同展示了如何回答问题、如何回答问题（即使是无意的或误导性的）以及以不同方式回答问题的含义。以下是各自引发讨论的答复： (1) 他们被接纳为移民的原因； (2) 出于社会合法的原因； (3)因为推力因素和拉力因素之和有利于迁移； （四）有志向、有能力这样做； (5) 因为机会出现； (6) 要么是因为他们选择这样做，要么是因为他们被迫这样做； (7) 因为他们认为移民具有内在价值或工具价值； （八）过正常的生活。这些讨论展示了移民的理论、方法论和政治维度如何影响对移民原因的理解和表述方式。 “人们为什么要迁移？”作为一个研究问题，它是很棘手的，但它的不确定性使其成为研究的指路明灯，以谦逊和好奇的态度引导多种观点。