Until the late 1980s, migration studies emphasized the push and pull factors in the countries of origin
and destination which trigger movements of people. This approach has been widely criticized for its
focus on structural and economic circumstances and factors that provide individuals with incentives to
leave their country of origin and move to another place. Karen Fog Olwig (2001, 17), for example,
argues that this narrow perspective “…gives the impression that migrants are pushed out of their place
of origin because of extraordinary conditions, or pulled away by attractive opportunities abroad”. In
the last 30 years, migration scholars increasingly stressed the significance of social aspects of
migration. Classical migration theories, like the new economics of labour migration (NELM) and the
social network theory consider particular the impact and involvement of family and kin on
international migration decisions. NELM views migration as a family or household strategy that shifts
the focus away from individual independence to mutual dependence (e.g., Stark 1991). The family
supports migrants before and shortly after leaving home and expects remittances as compensation.
Migration decisions are explained by an “intrafamilial implicit contract” (Stark & Lucas 1988, 478)
based on an unwritten understanding about the benefits and obligations of the two parties. Once
migration goals are successfully achieved (e.g. higher income and sufficient savings), it is assumed
that migrants return to their families in the country of origin.