Exploring the Interplay of Social Networks and Global Migration Dynamics: A Focus on Refugee Resettlement via Turkiye

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to enhance our understanding of the interplay between social networks and international migration, shedding light on migrants' decision-making and integration into new societies. The research examines the social network patterns of refugees from various nationalities who left their home countries due to institutional changes and were granted refugee status, particularly those resettled via Turkiye. Methodology: The data from the UNHCR Resettlement Data Finder portal is analyzed to gain insights into the migration process. For analyses, social network analysis is implemented. As a result of the analyses, social network maps for migration traffic between immigration and emigration countries are prepared and degree centrality parameters for these countries are calculated for the years between 2003 to 2021. Findings: Analysis outcomes indicates that the migration and resettlement occurring through Turkiye has an impulse characteristic and driven by some economic and political events with significant and large effect called systemic shocks. Implications: This study has contributions to the literature and fills some gaps. First, it explains change and evolution in social networks, particularly migration networks with impulse approach and institutional shocks. Second, the integration of social network theory and social network analysis into migration studies in a new way has been performed. Also, evolution mechanism of migration flows has been expressed in terms of and compared to social network theory. Limitations: Since immigrant data were taken from the UHNC database, personal reasons of immigrants could not be included in the study.