Globalization and Migration
Globalization generally affects the migration flows in two ways. The first impact is related to the positive gains exhibited by the host country. This kind of migration is an invaluable source of human resources and adds to the growth of the production of both, goods and services. The second impact of the immigrants is made on the native labor market, particularly employment conditions and wages, hence influencing the native income distribution. This paper examines the impact of the contemporary conditions of migration on the U and W curve models of migration alongside with exploring the models that would best describe the conditions of migrants’ cultural adaptation today (Scollon, Suzanne and Rodney 121-142).
Transnationalism and its Effects
Transnationalism affects both, U and W models in the sense that it complicates the relationships existing between the migrants and their countries of settlement and origin. Their families and countries and the way migrants perceive themselves also profoundly change. Issues of language, family, identity, place, and space are also impacted by the postmodern phenomenon of transnationalism. As a result, the cross-cultural adaptation is significantly slowed down as a result of the greater stress and decreased satisfaction in the culture of the host country during the first few weeks.
The Challenges of Cross-Cultural Adaptation
During the honeymoon stage of the two models, transmigrants are associated with the feelings of euphoria and excitement that are linked to something unusual and different. Being in the new environment, the transmigrants need a great amount of conscious energy, unlike that which was required in the old environment, hence fatigue and cognitive overload (Vertovec 54). The global migrant networks mean communication difficulties as well as feelings of impatience, dishonesty, incompetence, and dissatisfaction. This experience is followed by reintegration of the new cues as well as an increased ability to work within the new culture. As a result, the network will give rise to the cross-cultural adaptation.
The W-Curve Model of Cultural Adaptation
The best model to describe the conditions of migrants’ cultural adaptation today is the W-curve model because it includes the re-entry shock as well as the readjustment. When the migrants return to their native countries, they have unmet expectations, and, hence the re-entry shock is taken care of by the second curve of the W-curve model.
Works Cited
Scollon, Ron, Suzanne Wong Scollon, and Rodney H. Jones. Intercultural communication: A discourse approach. John Wiley " Sons, 2011.
Vertovec, Steven. Trends and impacts of migrant transnationalism. Center on Migration, Policy " Society, 2004.
