Definitions and routes
Define the movement and period being studied. Do not conflate birthplace, citizenship, residence and cultural self-identification.
Research · Movement and experience
Migration Research: Routes, Categories and Ethics
Migration research requires clear definitions, verifiable data and respect for personal experiences of movement.
At a glance
Why this guide matters
The page distinguishes administrative categories, analytical concepts and people’s own descriptions. Quantitative records and interviews can complement one another, but they are not interchangeable.
Material status
This is an editorial guide for the initiative’s development version. It explains an approach and does not replace professional medical, legal or financial advice.
Practical route
Three steps for responsible work
Begin with context, record decisions and preserve each person’s right to revisit the terms.
Data and testimony
Official data show the recorded portion of a picture; interviews convey personal experience. Present each source with its strengths and gaps.
Ethics and safety
Migration status and routes may be sensitive. Collect only necessary data, protect them and do not reveal identity without a valid basis.
Working checklist
What to check before moving on
- Define categories before analysis.
- State period, geographic scope and source.
- Do not substitute testimony for data or vice versa.
- Minimize collection of sensitive information.
Both photographs on this page are unique object-based AI illustrations. They do not depict real people, traditions or places.
FAQ
Common questions
Why do migration definitions differ?
Administrative systems and studies use different periods, boundaries and criteria; compare definitions before figures.
When is anonymity appropriate?
When identification creates risk or the participant requests it; explain the anonymisation process in advance.
Have experience or expert insight?
Tell us how you could contribute. Material is published only after rights, sources and consent have been reviewed.