Human mobility has been a defining feature of human social evolution. In
a global community, the term "mobility" captures the full gamut of
types, directions, and patterns of human movement. The psychology of
mobility is important because movement is inherently behavioral. Much of
the behavioral study of mobility has focused on the negative - examining
the trauma of forced migration, or the health consequences of the lack
of adaptation - but this work looks into the benefits of mobility, such
as its impact on career capital and well-being. Recent years have
witnessed a phenomenal increase in efforts to understand human mobility,
by social scientists, think-tanks, and policymakers alike. The book
focuses on the transformational potential of mobility for human
development.
The book details the historical, methodological, and theoretical
trajectory of human mobility (Context), followed by sections on
pre-departure incentives and predispositions (Motivation), influences on
acculturation, health and community fit (Adjustment), and changes in
career capital, overcoming bias, and diaspora networks (Performance).