Ukrainian war migrants – motivations, expectations, aspirations and other directions of sociological understanding

Abstract

The author considers the problem of Ukrainian war migrants in the context of the sociological study of this phenomenon. Almost from the first weeks of crossing the western border, Ukrainian war migrants became the object of surveys, which encountered several methodological problems: insufficient sensitivity of quantitative research, socially desirable responses about returning, the impossibility of long-term planning under stress and uncertainty, etc. In addition, quantitative surveys of migrants are not representative, given the unavailability of data on the general population of such people in the countries of temporary stay. Despite the large array of accumulated empirical data, knowledge about the motivations for migration and plans for return remains somewhat fragmented. The paper examines available empirical data on this topic, conducts a theoretical analysis of modern migration studies, and takes steps to form a sociological framework for further study of the situation of Ukrainian war migrants. Among other things, it is suggested to consider positive and negative motivations and comparisons between Ukraine and the country of current residence. It is also recommended to apply an importance filter and to use the terminology of “delayed return”. The necessity of studying the aspirations of migrants is proved, which will help to shed light on the aspect of agency, which remains in a shadow. The relevance of studying family dynamics of migration is also argued. The article also discusses the need to understand that returning to Ukraine after the war can be another migration into the unknown, not a return to the familiar. As for the object of the research, the importance of studying the motivations of those who returned after a more or less long experience in other countries and those who changed from one host country to another is emphasized. Implementing these frames to the research arsenal will expand the possibilities of sociological understanding of this phenomenon.