The complexity of international migration. Integration and cultural diversity

Abstract

The article aims to analyze the complexity of the phenomenon of international migration in light of the various explanatory theories of said phenomenon. The most important explanatory theories are analyzed, classified, their contributions are analyzed and the stages of the migration process are studied, to finally raise the complexity of the phenomenon. The positive and negative implications of migratory flows in economic, social and cultural aspects are discussed, both in the countries of origin and in the recipients. The struggle between recognizing the contribution of migrants to the economy and development, and the need of governments to control migratory phenomena for reasons of security and order, is pointed out. The vulnerability of many migrants is highlighted, exposed to unemployment, precarious jobs and lack of social protection. The article concludes that the phenomenon of international migration impacts the cultural enrichment of societies, but this process requires a successful integration of migrants into receiving societies to achieve complete social cohesion, which contributes to cultural diversity by influencing in aspects such as language, religion, customs and gastronomy. The complexity of migratory integration requires inter, multi and transdisciplinary approaches to address the challenges and formulate balanced policies that consider the needs of labor markets, social cohesion, human rights and security, to avoid or, at least reduce, the unintended consequences.