Migration Basics
What is the definition of migration?
The movement of people from one country or region to another, often for economic, social, or political reasons.
What does “brain drain” mean?
The emigration of skilled, educated individuals from their home country to another.
Give one push factor for Nigerian migrants.
Unemployment, insecurity, limited access to quality healthcare, lack of infrastructure.
What is the classic definition of the American Dream?
What is the classic definition of the American Dream?
Who is the author of Americanah?
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
What term describes people who leave because of war, insecurity, or disaster?
Refugees / forced migrants.
Which sectors in Nigeria are most affected by brain drain?
Health, engineering, IT, academic research.
Give one pull factor for migration to the USA.
Quality universities, job opportunities, stable political climate.
Why might outsiders perceive the American Dream differently from Americans?
They often see it idealistically through media, movies, success stories.
What central theme of Americanah connects to migration?
Identity formation + cultural displacement.
Which global region currently experiences the highest levels of emigration to Europe and North America?
Sub-Saharan Africa.
What is one major pull factor attracting Nigerian professionals to the USA and UK?
Higher salaries, safer working conditions, better resources, better educational opportunities.
What migration theory explains decisions based on comparing the “expected earnings” in both countries?
Human Capital Theory.
Name one challenge that makes the American Dream difficult for migrants to achieve.
Legal barriers, discrimination, cost of living, lack of networks.
What does the term “Americanah” mean in Nigerian slang?
Someone who went to America and comes back acting/looking American.
Name one challenge migrants often face upon arrival in a new country.
Cultural adjustment, discrimination, employment barriers, homesickness, language issues.
How does brain drain impact Nigeria’s economy?
Loss of skilled labor → slower development, increased dependence on foreign expertise.
In migration studies, what is a “social network”?
Friends/family abroad who help new migrants migrate or settle.
In the video, what contradiction about the American Dream is highlighted?
It promises equal opportunity but often delivers unequal outcomes.
Which character moves to the USA and writes a blog about race and identity?
Ifemelu.
What concept explains the long-lasting connection migrants maintain with their home country while living abroad?
Transnationalism.
What is the term for when migrants send money back to their home country, partly balancing the negative effects of brain drain?
Remittances.
Which factor (push or pull) usually has a stronger impact on skilled migration?
Pull factors (professional opportunities, safety, quality infrastructure).
What sociological term describes the shock migrants feel when the reality of America does not match their expectations?
Ideal–real gap / disillusionment gap.
What does Americanah reveal about the American Dream for African migrants?
It is complicated—full of opportunity but also racism, loneliness, and identity conflict.