Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Migration is a widespread phenomenon and at the heart of some of the most radical demographic and economic changes worldwide. For the last three decades, Albania too has been experiencing some drastic changes led by out-migration, especially in rural areas where most of the population resides. As Albanian economy continues to be predominantly rural the focus of this theses will be on young Albanians living and working in those areas.

This thesis intends to give an insight about youth’s out-migration in rural Albania and their perception on life and future to investigate what part migration plays in their choices.

While many studies tackle migration patterns in Albania from a quantitative point of view little is done to analyse specific groups, for instance, youth living in Albanian rural areas. In contrast, this qualitative study, phenomenologically inspired, aims to understand the migration phenomenon in a subjective way. Its focus lies on people’s perspectives and perceptions of the reality they live in. It focuses on their interpretation of the context, power, language and discourses about life and migration to explore possible constrains and solutions in order to understand how migration from rural areas can be challenged.

The result of the fieldwork carried out in two different areas in Albania during March-April 2019 indicate that the narratives embedded in the Albanian society conveyed by language and reinforced by weak institutions generate a discourse about migration radically influencing youth’s choice towards migration. Change of those narratives and less static and more democratic institutions could be beneficial in reversing the trend of aspiring rural young migrants.