Mind the Gap? Quantifying Interlinkages between Two Traditions in Migration Literature

Abstract

“Gap,” “split,” and “divide” are just a few among many words used in publicizing the divergence of literature on internal and international migration. In this paper, we empirically test what has so far been just a conjecture. Using Web of Science data and bibliometric techniques, we, first, provide quantitative measures of the size of the proclaimed gap. Second, we inquire into the existing conceptual overlap between the two strands of academic literature. Third, we search for channels through which research on internal and international migration can potentially blend into becoming a single, more holistic area of study.