11.1.1

Intro to Migration

Test yourself

Migration and Globalisation

Globalisation has caused extremely significant changes in the global economic system. It has led to an increase in migration, both within countries and between countries. Some key terms are:

Illustrative background for MigrationIllustrative background for Migration ?? "content

Migration

  • Migration involves a permanent or semi-permanent change of residence.
  • Internal migration takes place within the same country e.g. rural to urban migration.
  • International migration takes place between countries, for a minimum of one year.
Illustrative background for Types of migrantIllustrative background for Types of migrant ?? "content

Types of migrant

  • An economic migrant is a person who moves voluntarily for work or to improve his/her social and economic conditions.
  • A refugee is a person who, owing to a fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, has fled their country and sought protection in another country. This type of migration can be called forced migration.
  • An asylum seeker is a person who has applied for refugee status and is waiting for a decision as to whether or not they qualify.

Enabling Factors in Migration

Disparities (differences) in the wealth of different parts of the world means that people may be able to find work and improve their lives by migrating.

Illustrative background for TransportationIllustrative background for Transportation ?? "content

Transportation

  • Improvements in modern transport networks allow global labour flows to happen more easily.
  • Passengers on jet aircraft, boats and railways can all travel very large distances.
Illustrative background for Land grabs and mechanisationIllustrative background for Land grabs and mechanisation ?? "content

Land grabs and mechanisation

  • Land grabbing describes TNCs or governments purchasing or renting large areas of land.
  • The mechanisation of agriculture and other industries may lead people to migrate to find new jobs.
  • There has been a move internally in China from rural areas to coastal cities like Shenzhen in the search for work and a better life.
Illustrative background for Localised migrationIllustrative background for Localised migration ?? "content

Localised migration

  • A lot of international migration is relatively regionalised - it takes place in a small area or between a small number of countries.
    • E.g. From Mexico to the USA.
    • E.g. Within the EU after the Schengen Agreement (which allows borderless travel between certain EU member states).

Push and Pull Factors - Migration

Some push factors drive migrants out of a country and some pull factors attract migrants towards a country.

Illustrative background for Push factorsIllustrative background for Push factors ?? "content

Push factors

  • Environmental - If there is a natural disaster in a region (earthquake, tsunami, etc.) then people may be pushed out of an area.
    • People may not be able to afford the repairs to their property.
    • Desertification can make it hard for people to support themselves as the land becomes less productive.
  • Mechanisation - Automation of farming means that fewer jobs are available in rural areas.
  • Politics/War - People might be forced to flee their homes because of conflict. The Syrian Civil War involving Bashar al-Assad is an example of this.
Illustrative background for Pull factorsIllustrative background for Pull factors ?? "content

Pull factors

  • Economic - Some nations provide more jobs, which are often better paid.
  • Quality of life - Healthcare and education are more easily accessible in urban areas.
  • Family - Some migrants may join other family members that have already moved to a country.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson