From Migration Theory to Migration Policy: Problems and Solutions. Part 1: Problems

Abstract

This is the first part of a paper devoted to the problems and contradictions arising in the  dialogue between science and government on migration issues. This part addresses the question: who  is  to  blame for the inefficiency of this dialogue: researchers, the state, or both? The article is based on the analysis of internal scientific contradictions about migration and the analysis of  barriers complicating the interaction of science and the state. In the second part of the paper, scheduled for publication in the next issue of the journal, the author examines the myths and stereotypes about migration and migration policy based on the problems of dialogue between science and state. The analysis is based on the conceptual and theoretical framework developed by  Portes, Castles, Massey, Glick-Schiller, and Sassen. The paper shows an alternative understanding of the migration process and migration policy to the dominating understanding in contemporary Russian politics (based on late 20th-century ideas described by Todaro, Stark, Piore, and their Russian followers).