Methodological Core | Becoming Bridge Citizens

Methodological Core:
Analyzing Migration Rhythms

The project, "Becoming Bridge Citizens: Migration Rhythms in Life Trajectories of North Korean Diasporans," employs a sophisticated mixed-methods approach to investigate the process by which North Korean migrants rebuild their lives and identities in the diaspora.

Shifting the focus from the traditional view of migration as simply a 'loss,' this research utilizes Henri Lefebvre (2013)’s 'Rhythmanalysis.' This theoretical framework views migration as a series of 'rhythms'—dynamic, recurring patterns of movement, periods of stability (stasis), and the formation of new social connections.

The overall methodology is divided into two main studies. By combining structural data with in-depth personal narratives, the research aims to illuminate the formation of 'Bridge Citizens.' These are defined as individuals who demonstrate the agency and shared vision necessary to facilitate future peace and social integration on the Korean Peninsula.

Study 1: Quasi-longitudinal Household-based Survey
(The Structural Rhythm)

Study 1 employs a quasi-longitudinal (retrospective) survey design to quantitatively map the life trajectories of 100 North Korean diasporic households (50 in New Malden, UK, and 50 in Northeast China). Unlike standard cross-sectional surveys that only capture a single moment in time, this retrospective approach reconstructs the "rhythms" of migration by gathering data across four critical life stages: life in North Korea, the migration process, early settlement, and the current state.

The survey focuses on four structural dimensions:

Household Dynamics: Tracking family separation and reunification patterns over time.
Socio-economic Trajectories: Analyzing shifts in employment, education, and housing status across different geographical contexts.
Social Capital: Measuring the density of "bonding" networks within the Korean community and "bridging" networks with local residents.
Peacebuilding Capacity: To assess the peacebuilding potential of North Korean migrants in the UK and China, this quantitative survey applies Cheong’s (2022) Peacebuilding Capacity Creation Framework (see figure 1).

Figure 1. Peacebuilding Capacity Creation Framework (Cheong, 2022)

By utilizing Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS), the study ensures access to hidden or hard-to-reach populations while maintaining statistical validity. This structural data provides the foundational beat of the migration experience, allowing researchers to identify turning points where stability is reclaimed.

Study 2: Autobiographical Narrative Inquiry (The Lived Rhythm)

To complement the quantitative findings, Study 2 utilizes Autobiographical Narrative Inquiry to capture the subjective meanings and emotional depth of the migration journey. This phase involves a subset of 20 to 30 participants who engage in a multi-layered qualitative process designed to highlight their agency as ‘Bridge Citizens.’

The qualitative core consists of three integrated tools:

Digital Journaling: Participants use a mobile platform to record daily reflections and photos over a period of 2 to 4 weeks. This provides a real-time window into the contemporary "rhythms" of their everyday lives.
Photovoice: This visual methodology empowers participants to photograph symbols of their identity and experiences. It is particularly effective for articulating complex emotions or memories that may be difficult to express through language alone.
Biographical Narrative Interviews: In-depth, 1:1 sessions (90–120 minutes) allow participants to lead the storytelling process. Researchers apply Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Social Semiotic Multimodal Analysis to these narratives to uncover how individuals synthesize their diverse experiences into a coherent ‘Bridging Civic Identity.’

Data Analysis Methods

Once I have collected our information, we need a clear and logical way to understand what it all means. Since our study looks at both numbers and personal stories, I use a mixed-methods approach to get a complete picture of the "migration rhythms" of North Korean diasporans.

Quantitative Analysis: Tracking the Big Picture

For the numerical data we gather through the Quasi-longitudinal Household-based Survey, we use statistical tools to map out how life has changed for participants over time. I focus on retrospective data, which means asking people to look back at different stages of their lives—like their time in North Korea, the journey itself, and their current life in the UK or China. By using software like SPSS, I first use descriptive statistics (such as frequencies and averages) to identify general patterns in family structures, jobs, and social networks. Then, we apply inferential statistics,specifically cross-tabulation (chi-square tests), t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), to see if there are meaningful differences between groups, such as comparing the experiences of those living in London versus those in Northeast China. This helps us understand the broader "structural rhythms" that shape their migration experience.

Qualitative Analysis: Diving Deep into Lived Experience

While the numbers give us the map, the stories give us the journey. To analyze our qualitative data—collected through digital journaling (with Photovoice) and biographical narrative interviews—we apply Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). IPA is a special method that allows researchers to "zoom in" on the unique, lived experiences of individuals to understand the personal meanings they attach to their lives. We begin by reading the interview transcripts and looking at the journal photos multiple times to get a deep feel for the person's story. Through an iterative process, we identify "themes" or common threads that show how participants develop their identities as "Bridge Citizens". This method is perfect for our study because it respects the complexity of each person's story while helping us see how they turn their difficult pasts into a positive force for peace.

Ethical Considerations: Prioritizing Safety and Respect

As a researcher, my most important job is to ensure the 'safety' and 'comfort' of everyone who participates in this study. Because North Korean migrants are often in a vulnerable position due to their past experiences or legal status, this project follows a trauma-informed approach. This means I am constantly looking for signs of emotional distress; if a topic becomes too painful, we can stop or skip it immediately without any penalty to the participant. Furthermore, 'informed consent' is not just a one-time signature but a continuous conversation where I regularly check in to make sure everyone still feels okay about sharing their story. To protect identities, we use codes instead of real names and carefully blur any photos that might reveal someone’s identity. Ultimately, the goal is to build a relationship of trust where participants feel their voices are truly valued and protected.

References

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Methodological Core: Analyzing Migration Rhythms