Migration, Decision Making and Young Families: A Literature Review

Research on migrant decision making in recent years has focused on various factors associated with migration aspirations that underlie migrant decision-making (Aslany, et al., 2021; Carling, 2014; de Haas, 2010). Family is considered as one of the main key push factors which deeply influence the choice of students in choosing international education (AIEF, 1997; Mazzarol & ecision making in two aspects: guidance/advice and financial support (Defauw et.al, 2 018; Kainuwa & Yusuf, 2013). expectations (Pimpa, 2005). Decisions to pursue international education can be fueled by the pursuit of higher education by professionals, or aspirations toward better education for their children (Chee 2003). Familial decision-making has figured in different life-stages of the migration process. Studies on economic migrants, refugees and immigrant settlers have readily linked the key role of families in planning and navigating migration decisions. Families also play a main role in examining the thought process involving international education, and as past research would indicate one that combines emotional trappings of familial hopes and expectations, of sensibilities that involve investments, and foresight. Earlier contexts (Waters 2003; Chiang 2008) saw international students as economic migrants, not under the usual labour economic sense, but due to their capital-capacity. Progress in economies and the international education system over time saw the dramatic shift in markets catering to foreign students, nonetheless it remains a family affair. A quick survey on international students and their countries of origin will indicate emerging markets and sources, but has family decision-making changed? What has become of strategies employed in the past, especially in this day and age of technological advancements?