Development Disparity & Attainment Discrepancy: A Return Migration Context

This paper discusses return migration rationales, realised experiences and any attainment discrepancy thereof. Attainment discrepancy is posited to be influenced by ‘difference in development disparity’. This is the ‘difference’ between inequality terrains that mark different countries. A structural functionalism platform is emphasised for how attainment discrepancy manifests - bringing society, institutions, agency, and culture in an interdependent - relational interface. Findings are presented for different domains where migrants’ rationales are discussed alongside associated experiences. Attainment discrepancy that arises due to ‘difference’ in development disparity is noted for: premium required to exploit a wider choice spectrum; evaluation of preferences; role of networks and influence of assurance mechanisms. The paper adopts the lens of return migration from developed country landscapes to a developing country. It seeks to open this perspective in research for future contributions to examine the interface between attainment discrepancy and difference in development disparity