Revisiting Transnational Migration-development Nexus: Using the Capability Approach in Migration Research

The nexus between transnational migration and development has been dubbed theoretically ¿unsettled¿. This book examines the explanatory inadequacies in received theories of the linkage and argues that a settled general theory of the nexus will probably remain elusive. As an alternative way of understanding the linkages between transnational migration and development, it suggests the use of capability approach in analyzing the development outcomes of transnational migration. Using field data from two locations in Nepal, the book identifies specific capability gaps that make it difficult for migrants to find desirable and achievable livelihoods outside of migration cycles. This book is organized around four chapters. The first chapter introduces the research questions, methodology and data. The second chapter examines the explanatory inadequacies of received theories. The third chapter develops a framework for applying the capability approach in migration-development research and the fourth chapter summarizes the book and discusses the theoretical implications of its findings.