The geography of Vietnamese secondary migration in Britain

• Main Author: Hale, S. E.
• Published: Swansea University 1991
• Subjects: 910
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.637198

The research presented in the thesis evaluates the resettlement of refugees in countries outside their region of origin, with reference to the Vietnamese in Britain. The principal feature of Government policy towards the Vietnamese was the decision to engineer a dispersed resettlement pattern. Many commentators have argued that dispersal failed and, as a result, voluntary secondary migration from outlying regions into nascent concentrations has been stimulated. Yet, these contentions have been supported by little, if any, empirical evidence. In order to overcome this deficiency, a data set relating to the mobility of refugees was assembled and analysed. These data revealed the geographical pattern, frequency and timing of secondary migration at a range of spatial scales. In addition, a study of the causes of secondary migration and an investigation of its geograhical impact were undertaken. These analyses therefore enabled an assessment of the policy to disperse. The results indicated that the Vietnamese response to dispersal had, indeed, been voluntary secondary migration. This phenomenon developed rapidly after initial resettlement and led to the concentration of the vietnamese population in economically marginal areas, which were likely to constrain their life chances. The primary reasons for spatial mobility were associated with the desire to reduce the social isolation experienced as a result of dispersal, although housing motives became more important when multiple mobility was considered. The analysis showed that secondary migration clearly reduced isolation. however, this was at the cost of accommodation in some of Britain's poorest inner city areas. In the light of these findings, recommendations relating to the resettlement of refugees in countries outside their region of origin have been presented. It is hoped that these proposals may be utilised in the future design of policy towards refugees in Britain, and may add to the dialogue relating to the efficiency of dispersal, both in academic circles and among refugee fieldworkers.