Key Difference – Diaspora vs Migration
Diaspora and migration are two terms with distinct meanings. Diaspora refers to a population sharing a common heritage that is dispersed throughout various parts of the world. In contrast, migration refers to people moving to different areas in search of a settlement. The key difference between Diaspora and migration is that people involved in Diaspora maintain strong ties to their homeland, their roots, and their origin, which is not the case in migration.
What is Diaspora?
Diaspora is used to describe a population that shares a common heritage and is scattered throughout different parts of the world. These individuals typically maintain a connection with their homeland. This has been particularly prevalent in the 21st century, where diasporas maintain political ties with their home countries. Diasporas have existed since ancient times, for example, after the fall of Constantinople when Greeks fled, and the expulsion of Jews from Judea. According to William Safran, a diaspora can be easily identified based on certain characteristics, such as a collective memory of their home, considering the homeland as their true home, and the individual’s identity being strongly influenced by the homeland. People can leave their country to be part of a diaspora due to various political, economic, and social factors.
What is Migration?
Migration refers to people moving to different areas in search of a settlement, which can be due to social, environmental, political, or economic reasons. For example, a person might migrate to another country for better employment opportunities or due to the unstable political condition of their home country. Migration can be categorized as internal and international migration. Internal migration involves an individual moving to a different location within the same country, whereas international migration involves moving to another country. Another categorization is permanent and temporary migration, with permanent migration involving settling in another country with no intention of returning.
What is the difference between Diaspora and Migration?
Definitions of Diaspora and Migration:
Diaspora: Diaspora refers to a population that shares a common heritage and is scattered in different parts of the world.
Migration: Migration refers to people moving to different areas in search of a settlement.
Characteristics of Diaspora and Migration:
Roots and Origin:
Diaspora: In the case of Diaspora, people are very conscious of their roots and origin.
Migration: In migration, this feature is not as prominent.
Identity:
Diaspora: The homeland plays a key role in identity formation.
Migration: The homeland does not play as significant a role in identity formation.
Myth:
Diaspora: People maintain a myth of the homeland.
Migration: People do not maintain a myth of the homeland.
