Calculated Journeys: Exploring the Migrants’ Risk Perceptions

Migrants are often perceived as impulsive risk-takers due to their decision to relocate and face uncertainties in new environments. While some studies do indicate higher risk-taking behaviors among migrant populations, such a generalized perception can obscure the complexity of the risk management strategies they employ in everyday life. This study challenges the stereotype of migrants as inherently risk-seeking and highlights the careful planning they often undertake, particularly in education and career advancement. Through a mixed-methods approach, we combine qualitative insights from focus groups with quantitative data from a survey conducted among migrants in Belgium to explore their nuanced risk management behaviors.

The focus groups, conducted with migrants from various nationalities, including Persian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Turkish, and Spanish-speaking individuals, reveal that many approach significant life decisions with strategic caution. Rather than acting impulsively, participants frequently develop alternative plans, reflecting a thoughtful consideration of potential outcomes. They rely on social networks and online platforms to gather information, demonstrating efforts to reduce uncertainty and make informed decisions.

The quantitative component, a multilingual survey distributed using Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS), investigates risk-taking behaviors across both monetary and non-monetary domains. We also examine migrants’ attitudes toward patience in relation to education and career decisions, using tools like the General Risk Propensity Scale (GRiPS). This data further reinforces the view that many migrants employ risk-averse, strategic approaches when planning for their futures.

Our findings challenge the one-size-fits-all perception of migrants as uniformly risk-seeking, emphasizing the diversity within migrant groups. By providing a more comprehensive understanding of their decision-making processes, this study advocates for more nuanced policymaking that recognizes migrants' cautious risk management strategies, ensuring policies align with their specific needs and aspirations.