Religiosity and Migration Aspirations among Mexican Youth

Keywords

Migration, Religiosity, Mexico, Adolescents

Abstract

International migration has become an important topic of discussion from a policy and humanitarian perspective. Part of the debate includes a renewed interest in understanding the factors that influence decisions about migration to the US among Mexican youth still residing in their country of origin. The purpose of this study was to advance knowledge specifically about internal and external religiosity and their influence on youths’ migration aspirations. The data for this study were collected in 2007 from students enrolled in an alternative high school program located in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. The findings indicated that as external religiosity increases, the desire to work or live in the USA decreases. Furthermore, as internal religiosity increases, the desire to work or live in the USA and plans to migrate increase. The results are interpreted and discussed in light of previous research on religious and cultural norm adherence.

Original Publication Citation

Hoffman, S., Marsiglia, F. F., & Ayers, S. (2015). Religion and migration aspirations among Mexican youth. Journal of International Migration and Integration, 16, 173-186. doi: 10.1007/s12134-014-0342-8

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015-2

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5761

Publisher

Journal of International Migration and Integration

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Social Work

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

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