Migration: Internal

Abstract

Internal migration refers to the movement of people within the boundaries of a nation‐state. Compared to international migration, this field has been relatively neglected, despite its numerical importance worldwide. While there are difficulties in quantifying the extent of internal migration precisely, there is a growing body of case study research on this subject, which draws on a range of theories to illuminate its economic, social, and cultural dimensions. Emerging topics include the links between internal migration and life course transitions; the role of migration in fostering development, war, conflict, and internally displaced people; and the links between climate change and migration.