summarize the key points of the paper:Leibbrand, Christine, Catherine Massey, J. Trent Alexander, and Stewart Tolnay. 2019. "Great Migration's Great Return? An Examination of Second-Generation Return Migration to the South." Social Science Research 81:117
The paper "Great Migration's Great Return? An Examination of Second-Generation Return Migration to the South" by Christine Leibbrand, Catherine Massey, J. Trent Alexander, and Stewart Tolnay explores the phenomenon of second-generation return migration to the southern United States, particularly in the context of the Great Migration. Here are the key points:
1. **Context of Great Migration**: The Great Migration was a mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North and West between 1916 and 1970. The authors investigate whether the descendants of these migrants are returning to the South, reversing some aspects of this historical trend.
2. **Focus on Second-Generation Migrants**: The study specifically looks at second-generation individuals—those whose parents were part of the Great Migration. It examines the motivations and demographic characteristics of these return migrants.
3. **Data Sources and Methodology**: The authors utilize data from various sources, including the American Community Survey, to analyze patterns of migration among second-generation individuals, focusing on the socio-economic factors influencing their decisions to return to the South.
4. **Findings on Migration Patterns**: The results indicate that a notable portion of second-generation African Americans are returning to the South, often influenced by factors such as family ties, affordable housing, and job opportunities. The study emphasizes that this return migration is not uniform and varies by region and demographic characteristics.
5. **Implications for Southern Communities**: The paper discusses the implications of this trend for Southern communities, as returning migrants may contribute to local economies and cultural dynamics. However, the authors also note potential challenges, including integration and disparities in opportunities compared to long-term residents.
6. **Policy Considerations**: The authors suggest that understanding second-generation return migration may help policymakers and community leaders address the needs of both returning individuals and existing communities in the South.
Overall, the paper contributes to the literature on migration by highlighting the complexity of return migration among descendants of the Great Migration and its significance for current demographic and socio-economic trends in the American South.