Heterogeneity among Venezuelan Migrants in Terms of Coping in the Context of Population Exodus from Venezuela

Marcin Stonawski, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) / Cracow University of Economics

This study concentrates on the unparalleled exodus of Venezuelans in recent years. By June 2024, the global population of Venezuelan migrants and refugees had reached 7.7 million, with 6.6 million settling in Latin America. This represents one of the most significant migration outflows of the 21st century, with estimated numbers exceeding those of emigration from Afghanistan, Ukraine and Syria. The aim of this paper is to examine patterns of coping among Venezuelan migrants in Peru which has become one of the principal destinations for Venezuelans (1.5 million). By analyzing coping in this context, we aim to contribute to the evaluation of possibilities for adaptation of Venezuelans in Latin America. To this end, we conducted a survey among Venezuelan migrants in April-May 2023. Significant differences in coping patterns were identified. A Coping Strategy Inventory-SF instrument and a Latent Class Analysis method were employed to distinguish three homogeneous subgroups: problem engagers, hybrid engagers and mixed. The groups exhibit distinct characteristics with regards to age, sex, education and optimism. To our knowledge, this study is the first using CSI and LCA in migration studies. Understanding coping is crucial for developing successful migration policies that will reduce the possibility of future global migration crisis.

Keywords: Migrant Populations and Refugees, International Migration, Structural equation modelling

See extended abstract.