Qualitative Research
Brief Description
The interview was conducted among two people on the topic “Interpretation of the migration crisis”, which turned to be quite challenging due to the sensitiveness of the topic. First of all, it was problematic to find participants, as the majority thought that the answers may affect their social or professional life, even though I made it clear that the participation is anonymous. Secondly, one of the respondents refused to continue answering the questions in the middle of the interview without explaining the reasons. However, as this option was discussed before the interview, it did not affect the data collection. It was decided to choose semi-structured interview for the purposes of the current inquiry, as its structure allows the researcher to discover interesting aspects of the problem. The interviews went quite well, the participants answered all questions and several additional ones when the topic of conversation required it. The participation was anonymous and voluntary and no personal information was included into the current research. The data was accessed only by the interviewer and secured from any breach.
The semi-structured interview contained 10 main questions, yet when the participant raised interesting topic, I asked several leading questions to expand the response. The data was analyzed using the coding method following the analytical framework. As there were only two participants it was decided not to utilize additional software for this purpose and instead, the analysis was conducted manually. Each response was dissected on the basis of similarities and differences, the relevance to the topic, and the character of the answer provided by each of the participants. The analysis of data was not a difficult task due to the limited size of the information. At the same time, I had difficulties identifying the codes in the transcriptions, mostly because the answers were radically different. It has to be noted that the interviews were conducted face to face and the entire process was recorded. After the transcription of the interviews, the initial data was deleted in order to secure the information about the participants.
Findings
The following Table represents a coding frame of the main results of the study. It was decided to group the main topics covered during the interview and synthesize them into a complex system where the main codes and their connections are easy observable.
During the interview it was noticed that the respondents have both similar and different points of view towards the topic of migration crisis. The answers circulated around the issues of socio-cultural, economic, and security issues of migration, which determined the main codes. For instance, the Participant #1 (P#1) and Participant #2 (P#2) had the same point of view regarding the security problems in the country and globally claiming that the attacks will continue if the security agencies do not introduce more effective methods of screening. According to the study performed by Todor, Repez, & Postolache (2014), a failure to mitigate the migration crisis will produce multiple risks, including the increase of violent attacks, breach of valuable data, and clashes between the locals and the newcomers. It is considered that the clashes between the radically different cultures of the West and Middle East are a threat for a domestic security (Aras & Mencutek, 2015).
At the same time, the approach to the economic impact of migrant crisis is different in participants. While P#1 considers migration a positive process, her opponent P#2 has a radically different opinion claiming that the unemployment will boost and the taxes will elevate. Yet still, the P#1 also admitted that the taxes may increase. Kerr & Kerr (2011) conducted a survey that revealed that migration does not have adverse effect on job market in the host country, at least for the local population. The study confirmed that the immigrants tend to occupy lower-paid jobs, yet it does not considerably influence the chances of local population to find employment (Kerr & Kerr, 2011). It is quite clear that the P#2 uses his stereotypes regarding the job market and migrants due to his employment in the highly paid sector and lack of knowledge of the job market. At the same time, P#1 also does not realize the real impact of migration on job market and economy, as there this phenomenon does not have positive impact on economy or jobs.
Political aspects were analyzed by the participants only from the point of politicians and their ability to address this issue. It is quite clear that the participants pay attention on some of the news, yet do not have a detailed knowledge of the political effect of migration. Research conducted by Carmel (2014) revealed that the international relations may be damaged if a country is affected by the migration crisis, which was the case of the EU. According to the analysis, several countries, like Poland, Romania, and Croatia expressed their resistance to take more refugees or maintain the same communication framework with the rest of EU due to the crisis (Carmel, 2014; Salmenhaara, 2013). It is quite clear that both participants view migration crisis as a local problem and fail to approach it globally.
As to the socio-cultural approach and the methods of resolving the crisis, both respondents have different approach. While P#1 sees migration as a positive phenomenon and is able to accept the differences, be loyal, as well as embrace the specificities of the culture; P#2 considers that the migrants are better to stay in their home countries due to the radical distinctions between their and local cultures. The studies confirm that some countries are driven by the utter stereotyping of the newcomers, especially those from the Middle East, which may deteriorate the communication between the locals and migrants (Yazgan, Utku, & Sirkeci, 2015). However, the study performed by Abramitzky, Boustan & Eriksson (2014) admitted that lack of assimilation leads to the negative economic outcomes, clashes between the local and foreign cultures, and inadequate interaction between people. The resolution of the migration crisis is a complex question that may not have a one specific answer. In this case, the interview revealed that the respondents do not have a clear opinion towards this question. While P#1 advised to focus on the education and elimination of stereotypes, P#2 simply claimed that it is better to increase the barriers of entry. However, the study performed by Blair (2016) revealed that the countries do not have a clear perspective or the set of methods to resolve the migration crisis. Consequently, it is not a surprise that the citizens do not know how to approach this topic.
Overall, the research determined that citizens have fragmented knowledge regarding the migration crisis and tend to use their personal opinion rather than statistics, research, or scientific information. Also, certain stereotypes affect the point of view of some inhabitants due to their lack of knowledge or no desire to be more informed regarding the topic of migration crisis. It is clear that the participants use the media outlets as the main indicators in formation of their point of view, while only one of the respondents used her personal experience to create an opinion on the subject matter. It is important to increase the awareness of the citizens about the migration, its effect on different aspects of life, and the reasons why people tend to leave their countries. It is possible to create a campaign that will accomplish this goal. At the same time, it is more important to address the mass media and ask them to cover this topic more effectively and avoid the stereotypes or bias in their coverage of the topic.
References
Abramitzky, R., Boustan, L. P. & Eriksson, K. 2014. A Nation of Immigrants: Assimilation and Economic Outcomes in the Age of Mass Migration. Journal of Political Economy, 122(3), pp. 467-506.
Aras, N. E., & Mencutek, Z. S. 2015. The International Migration and Foreign Policy Nexus: The Case of Syrian Refugee Crisis and Turkey. Migration Letters, 12(3), pp. 193-207.
Blair, M. 2016. An Analysis of the Migration Policies of the European Union and Their Effectiveness in Managing the Current Migration Crisis. Concordia University, pp. 1-128.
Carmel, E. 2014. With What Implications? an Assessment of EU Migration Governance between Union Regulation and National Diversity. Migration Letters, 11(2), pp. 137-148.
Kerr, S. P. & Kerr, W. R. 2011. Economic Impacts of Immigration: A Survey. Harvard Business School, pp. 1-48.
Salmenhaara, P. 2013. An Introduction to International Migration Studies: European Perspectives. Migration Letters, 10(3), pp. 400-411.
Todor, C., Repez, F., & Postolache, M. 2014. The European and National Dimension of the Actual Migration. Legislative and Security Aspects. Contemporary Readings in Law and Social Justice, 6(1), pp. 230-241.
Yazgan, P., Utku, D. E., & Sirkeci, I. 2015. Syrian Crisis and Migration. Migration Letters, 12(3), pp. 181-199.
Transcription of the Interviews
Participant #1
Interviewer: Hello, my name is ___. I really appreciate your participation in my research, it means a lot to me.
Participant #1: Not at all, I’m pleased to answer the questions on such topic.
I: Thanks again. Please tell me, what is your age, gender, and the area of occupation?
P#1: I’m 32 years old, female, I’m self employed. I work as a freelance web designer.
I: Do you have any political affiliation?
P#1: I can say I’m independent, not really active politically.
I: I see. Are you aware about the migration crisis in terms of the U.S. and globally?
P#1: Yes, I am. I’m ready to provide more detailed answer if you need to.
I: Sure, everything you want to add.
P#1: I think that migration crisis is a problem of all people, not only one particular country. To my point of view, it is not effective just to provide home for poor people who flee their countries, but to help such countries economically or, I don’t know, maybe improve their education. For example, there are a lot of Syrian refugees that seek asylum in the U.S. and Europe, but I think that simply providing them homes will not change a thing. You know what I mean?
I: Do you think we can do more? Or maybe you want to propose another solution to this problem?
P#1: Yea, I think the solution will have to be more complex, like helping to end this war in Syria and invest into people’s education rather than simply taking them into the U.S., where I’m sure they will not be treated as good as they deserve.
I: Do you think our people are not welcoming?
P#1: Yea, totally. I’m quite shocked today regarding the political situation in the country and people complaining about migration and immigrants. I mean, hello, we are the country of immigrants, right? (laughing).
I: I agree with you. How do you think, has migration crisis affect the economic situation in the U.S.? Explain in detail if you wish to.
P#1: I sincerely think it’s a complicated question. From one point of view, increase of immigrants will require more investments performed by the government and, thus, paid by the taxpayers. From the other hand, we are wealthy nation with a lot of resources and opportunities, so I do not see any considerable negative effect. Again, the U.S. is a country of immigrants, we have a well-developed system that will not stagnate the economy.
I: Thank you, that’s an interesting insight. How do you think the migration crisis affect socio-cultural background of the country?
P#1: Frankly speaking, I think that increase of persons from different cultures will have only positive effect on the country. People will encounter with the newcomers and learn more about new cultures. Maybe it will eventually eliminate racism and stereotypes regarding the foreigners.
I: What stereotypes regarding any of the cultural representatives had you encountered with?
P#1: Oh Gee (laughing). A lot. I have a Muslim friend and once we were in the restaurant and I overheard a woman telling her to go back home; my friend was in a hijab, you know a special scarf they use to cover their heads. Another example considered my niece, who is half Mexican, some people screamed some Spanish words, usually very offensive, and so on
I: It is terrible. I’m really sorry. I know you have answered the question regarding the economic effect. I wanted to ask the question about the distribution of jobs in the U.S. in terms of migration crisis. How you think, will the number of jobs decrease with the increase of the immigrants?
P#1: I know people usually think so. I don’t agree with that. First of all, immigrants are rarely employed for the highly paid jobs. Secondly, they tend to work in their communities who provide jobs for the newly comers. Thirdly, I think there is plenty of work in the U.S. for the locals and the newcomers.
I: Thanks, that’s an interesting approach to the question. What is the impact of the migration crisis on the political situation in the country and globally?
P#1: Politically Politicians usually use the migration crisis in their interests, agendas or president rallies (laughing). No, really, I think they use it as some sort of a method for the manipulation of the voters. However, I did not want to think about it, but maybe the countries that welcomed a lot of immigrants can make the conditions of immigration more complicated.
I: Why do you think so?
P#1: Well, I heard that the political preferences in Europe and here are shifting towards the nationalist movements. So, maybe in future U.S. and EU will become more conservative.
I: Hmm, it is interesting. I hope they will not.
P#1: (Smiling) I hope so too. Do you have any more questions for me?
I: Just the last one. How migration crisis affects the domestic security?
P#1: Unfortunately, I have to agree that migration crisis affect negatively domestic security. It is not the point of the specific culture, but how we treat these people. While it is painful to say, I think that our security agencies have to use better surveillance practices for those who entering our country.
I: Thank you a lot for the participation.
P#1: My pleasure.
Participant #2
Interviewer: Good afternoon, my name is ___. I’m very happy that you decided to participate in my research.
Participant #2: You are welcome, I’m glad to answer your questions.
I: Thank you. Please tell me, what is your age, gender, and the area of occupation?
P#2: I’m 40 years old, male, I work in the financial sector. I’m a financial advisor.
I: Do you have any political affiliation?
P#2: I am a proud republican. I know it’s not popular nowadays (laughing).
I: Really? Why do you think so?
P#2: Oh, come on. Today republicans are equated to the bigots, racists, and stubborn idiots (laughs) and trust me, we are not like that.
I: It is only a stereotype, I personally do not criticize people’s political affiliations. I ask you to speak your mind freely.
P#2: Thank you, I will.
I: Great. Let’s begin. Are you aware about the migration crisis in terms of the U.S. and globally?
P#1: Sure, I am (smiles) and I have a lot to tell about it.
I: Amazing, please, share with me.
P#1: It is a huge problem for our country and for Europe. I do not understand why they are not concerned about security or financial risks. I mean did not we have enough attacks or suicide bombers? I think that is an outcome of democratic regime. I am not against the migration, not at all. I know a lot of people who came from other countries and they are doing great here. I am against brining Middle Eastern folks here.
I: Why only Middle Eastern?
P#2: I’m sorry, who performed all that vicious attacks in our land and even more in Europe?! (raised voice). Our security does not check them and simply allow everyone to come here and enjoy our rights.
I: Do you think they do not deserve a relief from the hard living in their countries?
P#2: No, it is not what I meant. All people deserve that, but why not building adequate conditions in their countries rather than fleeing abroad? I think they have to take care about their country the way the U.S. and Europe did. I mean, western countries had their fair share of wars and conflicts and we did not flee anywhere.
I: I see. Thank you for your honest reply. How do you think, has migration crisis affect the economic situation in the U.S.? Explain in detail if you wish to.
P#2: It has a negative effect on the economy. More migrants, especially those who came here as refugees, will require more socio-economic help. It may affect the taxpayers, as more taxes will be deducted. It will affect the job distribution as well. The country will have more unemployed people, so our GDP will decrease and it will affect our trade relationships with other countries.
I: Thank you for honesty. How do you think the migration crisis affect socio-cultural background of the country?
P#2: Nowadays, immigrants are not required to assimilate for some reason. In the result, they do not want to follow our laws and comply with our cultural norms. I think migration crisis has a negative effect on our local culture. I am not against their culture per se, but I think it is impossible to mix their ideology with our views.
I: Why do you think so? What are the main barriers between their culture and ours?
P#2: They stick to ancient views, like relationship with women, behaving, and treating others in general. Our culture is radically different. I mean, it is customary for our women to do what they want and being treated adequately. We are loyal to people of different religious confessions. We tend to help each other and live as a community. They have a different attitude to all of these aspects and also they hate the West, so why coming here?
I: Let’s move to the next questions. I wanted to ask the question about the job market in the U.S. in terms of migration crisis. How you think, will the number of jobs decrease with the increase of the immigrants?
P#2: Certainly will decrease. I know, I’m aware that the average immigrant will not be employed for highly paid job because of language barrier and lack of education. However, how about other jobs? There are our people, especially among the youth, who desperately need a job to pay for college or become independent, yet it will be difficult to achieve if there are tons of immigrants willing to do this job for less money. You know what I mean? In the result, we will have high unemployment rate.
I: Thanks, it was very helpful. Tell me please, what is the impact of the migration crisis on the political situation in the country and globally?
P#1: I think that politicians have to reconsider their approach to this issue, especially in the Democratic Party. Who am I kidding? (laughs) I think today neither of the parties has any clue how to deal with the migration crisis. They use it for the rallies and to attract the voters, because it is a burning topic. Yet, globally, migration crisis will affect the international relationship and the interaction with many countries will become more problematic, especially with the countries that produce immigrants.
I: Why do you think so?
P#2: It is clear that they are not happy about losing a lot of human resources and the other country letting them flee.
I: It is an important insight, thanks.
P#2: I hope it will help.
I: How migration crisis affects the domestic security?
P#2: It is a painful topic for me (sighs). I think if we continue to let more immigrants in, we will have more bombings, dead people, and scared population. We came really close to the edge.
I: Thank you a lot for the participation.
P#1: My pleasure.
Participant Identification Number: 1
CONSENT FORM
1. I confirm that I have read and understand the information sheet dated ______ for the above study and have had the opportunity to ask questions.
2. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any time, without giving any reason.
3. I agree that the information I give during the study can be used in any related publications, such as reports and academic articles.
4. I understand that my interview may be taped and subsequently transcribed (where applicable).
5. I agree that anonymised quotes can be used in any publications related to the study (where applicable).
6. I agree that the dissertation supervisor and associated examiners can review my anonymised interview transcript if required. I am assured that anonymity and confidentiality will be upheld in this case (staff should delete this point).
7. I agree that if it is selected as part of audit processes to ensure quality assurance this form bearing my name and signature may be seen by a designated auditor
8. I agree to take part in the above study.
___________________________ _______________ _____________
___________________________ _______________ _____________
Researcher Date Signature
Participant Identification Number: 2
CONSENT FORM
1. I confirm that I have read and understand the information sheet dated ______ for the above study and have had the opportunity to ask questions.
2. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any time, without giving any reason.
3. I agree that the information I give during the study can be used in any related publications, such as reports and academic articles.
4. I understand that my interview may be taped and subsequently transcribed (where applicable).
5. I agree that anonymised quotes can be used in any publications related to the study (where applicable).
6. I agree that the dissertation supervisor and associated examiners can review my anonymised interview transcript if required. I am assured that anonymity and confidentiality will be upheld in this case (staff should delete this point).
7. I agree that if it is selected as part of audit processes to ensure quality assurance this form bearing my name and signature may be seen by a designated auditor
8. I agree to take part in the above study.
___________________________ _______________ _____________
___________________________ _______________ ______________
Researcher Date Signature
Ethical Approval
Qualitative research design is selected for the current study. Semi-structured interview will be used as the primary method of gathering data.
Research participants will be recruited face to face. The proposition of participating in the research will be handed personally, which will contain brief information on the project, its main goals, and the methods of collecting and analyzing the information. Additionally, informed consent will be sent to the potential respondents.
Research participants will be selected among random people. One of the most important criteria will be the employment.
It is considered that 2 respondents will be enough for the goals of the research.
