Social & Demographic Tensions of Migration
Geography: Edexcel A Level, topic 11.2.2
Tension Caused by International Migration - Cultural
International migration can result in local and national tensions between countries.
Culture clash - host country
- Conflict can develop between host communities and 'newcomers'. If migrants do not speak the host language well, this can cause tensions and fear.
- People with nationalist or patriotic feelings may feel threatened by new arrivals.
Brain drain - source country
- Migrants leaving can result in a 'brain drain' of skilled labour out of the country of origin. Although remittances may be sent back to families it may be hard to offset the loss of skilled labour.
- Brain drain can also be called human capital flight.
- The IAB estimates that Cambodia has lost roughly 50% of its skilled labour to brain drain.
- It is often only the wealthier and better educated who are able to leave a country.
Human trafficking - source country
- Those migrating may have to work with human traffickers. This leaves people, particularly women and children, vulnerable to exploitation and forced labour.
- It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 modern slaves, doing forced unpaid labour in the UK.
Tension Caused by International Migration - Demographic
International migration can result in local tensions and national tensions between countries.
Public services in host country
- Immigrant populations, especially if they are segregated in places like refugee camps can put public services in the host country under pressure.
- There will be more people needing the services, but also education, housing and healthcare infrastructure may need to be build in refugee camps.
Refugee crises
- Refugees escaping wars may need emergency food, shelter, water and medicines.
- Organisations like the United Nations and UNICEF may work to offer these facilities, but governments may also be involved.
- Some of these people may want to return to their country of origin now or in the future, but the risks are high.
Test yourself on Social & Demographic Tensions of Migration
What can the brain drain also be called?
According to the IAB, what percentage of Cambodia's skilled labour has left the country
How many modern slaves are there estimated to be in the UK?
3 tensions caused by international migration