A Scoping Review on the Activation of Consumption Among Migrant Workers: Insights from a Psychosocial Perspective

This study conducted a scoping review to analyze the impact of migrant workers’ consumption activities on regional economies and to propose academic and policy directions to promote such activities. In recent years, migrant workers have come to be recognized not merely as a labor force, but as key agents of local economic circulation through their consumption. This is particularly evident in depopulated regions, where the expansion of migrant consumption serves as a critical economic driver. Applying the six-stage framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005), this study reviewed 21 domestic studies published up to March 2025. The findings reveal that migrant workers’ consumption is influenced by a variety of factors, including employment stability, settlement intention, psychosocial variables, cultural acceptance, and the level of social integration within local communities. Notably, consumption serves not only as an economic activity but also as an indicator of social integration. These results suggest the need for an integrated policy approach that accounts for emotional stability and cultural adaptation in promoting consumption among migrant workers. By highlighting consumption as a form of local participation rather than a purely economic act, this study provides a foundation for developing future policy and practical strategies.