Return Migration

Definition

Return migration refers to the process where individuals who have migrated to a different country or region return to their place of origin. This phenomenon is significant in understanding the dynamics of migration patterns, especially among communities that have established themselves abroad, like Japanese Americans. Return migration can be influenced by various factors, including economic opportunities, family ties, and changes in political or social conditions back home.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Return migration among Japanese Americans was particularly notable after World War II, as many who had been forcibly relocated returned to their communities on the West Coast.
2. Factors driving return migration included economic conditions in the U.S. post-war recovery and a desire to reconnect with family and cultural roots in Japan.
3. In many cases, return migrants faced challenges reintegrating into their home communities due to changes during their absence, such as shifts in social and economic structures.
4. Return migration can create a unique blend of cultural exchanges, as returning individuals bring back new ideas and practices from their time abroad.
5. The phenomenon of return migration can impact both the home country and the host country, influencing labor markets, family structures, and community dynamics.

Review Questions

• How did return migration shape the Japanese American community after World War II?
  • Return migration significantly shaped the Japanese American community after World War II as many individuals who had been forcibly removed from their homes returned to rebuild their lives. This influx of returnees brought together families and revitalized communities that had suffered during internment. The returnees played a crucial role in restoring cultural practices and contributing to the economic recovery of these communities by leveraging experiences gained during their time away.
• Discuss the challenges faced by Japanese American return migrants reintegrating into their communities after World War II.
  • Japanese American return migrants faced several challenges when reintegrating into their communities after World War II. Many returned to find that their properties had been sold or damaged during their absence, complicating efforts to reclaim their former lives. Additionally, social dynamics had changed; some returnees encountered resentment or suspicion from neighbors who had not experienced internment. The process of rebuilding trust and reestablishing social ties took time and effort for these individuals.
• Evaluate the broader implications of return migration for the socio-economic development of both Japan and the United States in the post-war period.
  • Return migration had significant implications for the socio-economic development of both Japan and the United States in the post-war period. In Japan, returning individuals brought new skills and ideas that contributed to economic growth during Japan's post-war recovery, aiding in modernization efforts. Conversely, in the U.S., returnees often filled labor gaps and contributed to community revitalization efforts, strengthening social networks. This dynamic not only reinforced ties between Japan and its diaspora but also highlighted the interconnectedness of global economies influenced by migration patterns.

Related terms

Diaspora: A scattered population whose origin lies in a separate geographic locale, often maintaining connections to their homeland while living abroad.

Remittance: Money sent back by migrants to their home country, which can significantly contribute to the economy of the origin country.

Assimilation: The process through which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits of another group, often leading to a loss of original identity.