Ontological insecurity and migration: A critical analysis of uprootedness

Abstract

Objectives: This research critically examines the role of ontological insecurity as a driver of population uprooting, with a focus on how structural inequality – evaluated through indicators such as the Gini index and the income share of the top 10% – directly influences migration trends. By examining how economic disparities create conditions conducive to population displacement, the study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how insecurity impacts an individual’s decision to either settle or seek opportunities abroad. The study operates within the theoretical framework of structural inequality and uses ontological security as a key measure of social cohesion and population retention.

Materials and methods: Employing a quantitative methodology, this research utilizes a multivariate analytical approach supported by factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Data from the World Bank served as the primary source for variables such as Gini coefficients, income distribution within the top 10% of earners, and incarceration rates, which provide a proxy for social conflict. SEM was employed to construct and test the causal relationships among structural inequality, ontological insecurity, rootedness, and social conflict. Factor analysis explored the dimensional structure of variables related to economic inequality, ontological security, and migration, grouping them into latent factors that could reveal underlying patterns. Furthermore, the study accounted for confounding factors by integrating socioeconomic and conflict-related indicators to isolate the effects of ontological security on migration patterns.

Results: The findings reveal a significant relationship between structural inequality and ontological insecurity, suggesting that regions with pronounced income disparities experience higher levels of insecurity and, consequently, increased emigration rates. The Gini index emerged as a critical factor, with higher values correlating strongly with ontological insecurity and social conflict. The data indicate that populations experiencing high-income concentration within the top 10% exhibit greater ontological insecurity, which, in turn, is associated with increased emigration. Structural inequalities, as reflected in income distribution and resource access, were shown to impact not only individual security perceptions but also social cohesion, which can intensify social conflict. The analysis suggests that social conflict, represented here by incarceration rates, is both a direct and indirect product of ontological insecurity, further exacerbating social fragmentation and migration tendencies. The study's model showed robust explanatory power in linking ontological insecurity to the increase in emigration percentages, where individuals experiencing relative deprivation seek more stable and equitable environments elsewhere.

Additionally, the analysis found that structural inequality, as measured by both the Gini index and income concentration within the top 10%, serves as a potent predictor of ontological insecurity and migration. In settings marked by stark income inequality, populations often perceive societal structures as unstable or inherently unjust, leading to feelings of insecurity that drive individuals to consider relocation. This perception of inequality fosters a sense of dislocation, where individuals no longer feel anchored or secure in their home environment. The findings illustrate how ontological insecurity can be exacerbated by observable economic disparities, creating a feedback loop where insecurity promotes migration, thereby diminishing social cohesion and increasing the incidence of conflict. High incarceration rates, used here as an indicator of social conflict, reflect the breakdown of social structures in contexts of elevated inequality, suggesting that ontological insecurity may lead not only to migration but also to rising conflict within remaining populations.

Conclusions: This study suggests that ontological insecurity, fostered by structural inequality, significantly impacts social cohesion, migration, and conflict. The perception of inequality, particularly when observed through the lens of relative deprivation theory, reveals that individuals are more likely to migrate if they perceive an inequitable resource distribution in their environment. Relative deprivation theory posits that individuals assess their personal success and well-being not only on absolute measures but also about others, meaning that observable gaps in wealth or access to resources can heighten feelings of insecurity and prompt migration. In a context where the top 10% disproportionately benefit from available resources, those outside this bracket experience heightened insecurity that manifests in both increased migration and conflict.

The study also highlights the centrality of ontological security as a latent variable that mediates the relationship between structural inequality and social outcomes. Ontological insecurity arises in contexts of pronounced inequality, where individuals lack the basic sense of stability and confidence needed to feel rooted in their environment. This insecurity, in turn, disrupts social cohesion, leading to both increased migration and heightened social conflict. Social cohesion relies on a foundation of equitable resource distribution, which mitigates perceptions of insecurity and promotes rootedness. In contrast, the erosion of ontological security in unequal societies fosters a sense of alienation, where individuals no longer feel a part of the larger social fabric. As inequality rises, so does the likelihood of conflict, as social fragmentation leads to distrust and disillusionment with societal structures. By linking these factors, the study underscores how structural inequality and ontological insecurity contribute to the erosion of societal stability, creating a cycle of uprooting and conflict.

The findings align with theories of relative deprivation and class struggle, suggesting that the decision to migrate is not solely an economic calculation but also an expression of perceived social injustice. Ontological insecurity, shaped by unequal resource distribution, acts as a catalyst for social conflict and migration. This study contributes to the literature on migration by situating ontological security within a structural inequality framework, highlighting how perceptions of inequality drive individuals to seek opportunities in environments with higher ontological security. For policymakers, these findings underscore the importance of addressing income inequality and promoting equitable access to resources to strengthen social cohesion and mitigate migration.

Future research could explore the intersection of ontological security, inequality, and migration in greater detail, examining the specific mechanisms through which economic disparities disrupt social cohesion. Additionally, comparative studies across regions with varying degrees of income inequality and migration rates could provide further insights into how structural inequalities manifest in diverse social and cultural contexts. Understanding the role of ontological insecurity in migration may also inform the development of social policies aimed at enhancing resource distribution and reducing income concentration to promote rootedness within populations. This study demonstrates that ontological security, when compromised by structural inequality, not only influences migration but also exacerbates social conflict, suggesting that addressing inequality is crucial for fostering a cohesive, stable society.