UCB SOC 146AC — Contemporary Immigration in Global Perspective MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE 2026 University of California

UCB SOC 146AC — Contemporary Immigration in Global
Perspective MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE 2026 University of
California
SOC 146AC — Contemporary Immigration in Global Perspective
MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE
Use this guide to review key concepts, theories, and examples from lectures and readings. Fill
in the blanks and practice applying theories to real-world contexts. The guide mirrors the
conceptual focus of your midterm (theory, critique, and comparison — not memorization of
statistics).

I. Theories of International Migration

1. Neoclassical Economics
- What is the core premise of neoclassical economic theory at the macro level?




- How does the micro-level version differ? What is the individual migrant assumed to be doing?




2. New Economics of Labor Migration
- Who makes migration decisions according to this theory, and why does that matter?




- Define the two key mechanisms this theory emphasizes:
– Risk diversification:

– Market failures in sending countries:

- How does this theory differ from neoclassical theory?




3. Segmented Labor Market Theory
- What is the core argument? (Hint: where does the emphasis fall — sending or receiving
countries?)




- List the four structural features of wealthy economies that create permanent demand for
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, immigrant labor:
– 1:




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