How Migration Really Works
A Factful Guide to the Most Divisive Issue in Politics
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:9th Nov '23
Should be back in stock very soon
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£10.99(9780241998779)

This insightful book challenges misconceptions about migration, revealing truths that reshape our understanding of the topic. How Migration Really Works offers a fresh perspective based on extensive research.
In How Migration Really Works, Professor Hein de Haas presents a compelling examination of global migration, challenging long-held beliefs and misconceptions. Drawing on over three decades of research, he reveals that many common narratives surrounding migration are misleading or simply false. For instance, contrary to popular opinion, global migration is not at an all-time high, and climate change is unlikely to result in mass migration. Through careful analysis, de Haas highlights how immigration tends to benefit the wealthy rather than workers, and how border restrictions can paradoxically lead to increased migration.
The book provides a thorough comparison of trends and perspectives from both Western 'destination countries' such as the UK, US, and Europe, as well as 'origin countries' in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This comprehensive approach equips readers with essential knowledge, supported by evidence and data, allowing them to understand migration not as a problem to be solved, but as a complex phenomenon that can be better understood through facts rather than fears.
Ultimately, How Migration Really Works offers a paradigm-shifting perspective on migration, urging readers to reconsider their assumptions and engage with the topic in a more informed way. By addressing the myths propagated by politicians, interest groups, and the media, de Haas encourages a more nuanced dialogue about migration, one that recognizes its multifaceted nature and the realities that underpin it.
A careful, balanced, and convincing take on one of the most divisive issues of our age. Backed by masses of data, Hein de Haas challenges much of what we think is obvious about migration, systematically busting myths and exposing propaganda from all across the political spectrum -- Ian Morris * author of Why The West Rules – For Now *
A book that will force Left and Right alike to reconsider old assumptions . . . [De Haas's]insights hold the key to effective migration policy . . . An important book, which should become a standard textbook for anyone seeking to have a real impact on migration -- Baroness Arminka Helic * The Telegraph *
A powerful debunking of myths about global migration, and an indictment of the political dishonesty that generates them . . . a clear and rigorous corrective that aims to give the general reader the tools for a more informed debate in future -- Daniel Trilling * Guardian *
Fact-filled, well-argued and authoritatively written . . . There is much to commend in this book, which effortlessly summarises decades of social science research on migration . . . De Haas has written a valuable book that, whatever one’s views on immigration, will challenge many of the reader’s idées reçues and leave them better informed -- Yuan Yi Zhu * The Times *
Prepare to have your mind changed . . . de Haas shows that everything we think we know about migration is wrong. How Migration Really Works is a carefully evidenced critique . . . I am rereading this book (something crabbed reviewers never normally do) -- Simon Ings * New Scientist *
An illuminating book -- Alan Beattie * Financial Times *
This new study of migration and its attendant mythsshould be falling out of briefcases all over Westminster -- Serena Cesareo * Tortoise Media *
De Haas deftly fillets the myriad myths in which our contradictory attitudes to immigration are rooted -- Kenan Malik * Observer *
An impressively wide-ranging book . . . de Haas provides a welcome corrective to common misconceptions -- Alan Gamlen * Nature *
An extraordinary and compelling book . . . takes two dozen myths about migration and ruthlessly demolishes them -- Gavin Esler * Perspective *
ISBN: 9780241632208
Dimensions: 240mm x 162mm x 41mm
Weight: 704g
464 pages