Human migration: managing its increasing complexity

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the history of human migration till the present day.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the human movement from pre-hominid times, forming patterns of existence. Thus, ambient sun and water, weather and climate extremes, shelter, food supply, natural or human-made disasters gave rise to Homo sapiens’ wanderlust.

Findings

Despite obstacles, formidable barriers and even perilous deterrents, the species explored and exploited new soils and waters, whether beneficial or destructive of nature’s ample providence.

Originality/value

The authors treat societal as well as individual action, cultural behavior and the emergence of economic anthropology. Migratory legislation and regulation now risk transformation into resentment and then xenophobia.

Citation

Erdelen, W.R. and Richardson, J.G. (2020), "Human migration: managing its increasing complexity", Foresight, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 109-126. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-02-2019-0007