Navigating new beginnings: Understanding the migration decision-making of highly skilled Turkish women in Germany and the netherlands

This thesis examines the migration decision-making dynamics of highly skilled Turkish women migrating to Germany and the Netherlands. Based on in-depth interviews with 20 participants, and a grounded theory approach, the study explores how these women's migration decisions are influenced by a combination of economic motivations, personal aspirations, social networks, and professional opportunities. The findings reveal that while the desire for professional development, security, and a better quality of life are strong motivators, these decisions are also shaped by facilitators such as supportive social networks and professional contacts, as well as barriers like legal constraints. They also highlight the importance of the aspiration/capability framework in understanding migration, showing that aspirations alone are insufficient without the capabilities to overcome legal, social, and cultural obstacles. By employing a life course approach, the study investigated how significant life events and evolving social roles impact these women's migration choices, challenging traditional views of women migrants as passive actors. Additionally, this thesis contributes to the concept of 'lifestyle migration' by illustrating that, for many participants, migration is not just an economic necessity but also a pursuit of a more balanced and fulfilling life. The study calls for more nuanced migration policies that recognize the diverse motivations and multidimensional experiences of highly skilled women, addressing both the facilitators and barriers they face, and supporting their aspirations and capabilities in their new environments.