Welcome to Theme 1: Population and Settlement!

Hello Geographers! This chapter, Migration, is all about understanding why people move and what happens when they do. Human movement is one of the most powerful forces shaping the world today—it affects everything from where your food comes from to the culture in your own neighbourhood. Don't worry if this seems like a big topic; we will break down the reasons and impacts step-by-step!

1. Defining Migration and Key Terms

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another, usually with the intention of settling permanently or for a long period (often defined as over one year).

Key Terminology Quick Guide

  • Migrant: A person who moves from one place to another.
  • Emigrant: A person who leaves their country (Think Exit).
  • Immigrant: A person who enters a new country (Think In).
  • Net Migration: The difference between the number of immigrants and the number of emigrants.

Did you know? Migration is a key factor, along with birth rate and death rate, that contributes to the overall change in a country's population size.

2. The Reasons for Migration: Push and Pull Factors

People don't usually move on a whim. There are powerful reasons that either force them away from their current location or attract them to a new one. These are called Push and Pull Factors.

Analogy: Think of migration like magnets. Push factors are like the repulsive end of a magnet, pushing you away from your current location. Pull factors are like the attractive end, drawing you toward a destination.

Push Factors (Reasons to Leave the Origin)

These are the negative conditions at the place of origin (where the migrant starts).

  • Economic: High unemployment, low wages, poverty, debt. (The most common push factor!)
  • Social: Lack of services (poor schools, no hospitals), high crime rates, discrimination.
  • Environmental: Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes), famine, drought, lack of clean water or resources.
  • Political: War, civil conflict, persecution, unstable government.

Pull Factors (Reasons to Move to the Destination)

These are the attractive features at the destination (where the migrant is going).

  • Economic: Job opportunities, higher wages, better standard of living.
  • Social: Better services (good universities, modern hospitals), safety and security, family ties.
  • Environmental: Attractive climate, fertile land, safe physical environment.
  • Political: Political stability, freedom of speech, human rights protection.
Quick Review: How to remember the causes

Always structure your explanation of reasons into these four categories (P.E.S.E.):

  • Political
  • Economic
  • Social
  • Environmental

3. Types of Migration

We classify migration based on the scale of movement and whether the move was by choice.

A. Scale of Movement

Internal Migration

Movement within the same country.

  • Rural-Urban Migration: The most common form of internal movement globally, especially in developing countries. People move from the countryside (rural) to the city (urban) seeking better jobs and services.
  • Example: Moving from a small village in the interior of Brazil to the city of São Paulo.
International Migration

Movement between different countries.

  • Example: Moving from Mexico (origin) to the USA (destination).

B. Choice of Movement

Voluntary Migration

The migrant chooses to move, usually for economic reasons or a better lifestyle. The decision is based on comparing push and pull factors.

Involuntary (Forced) Migration

The migrant has no choice but to leave, often due to threats to life or livelihood.

  • Refugees: People forced to flee their country because of war, persecution, or fear for their safety.
  • Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): People forced to flee their homes but who remain within their country's borders.

Common Mistake to Avoid: A voluntary migrant who moves for a job is an economic migrant, not a refugee. Refugees are fleeing danger, not just seeking better wages.

4. The Impacts of Migration

Migration creates consequences (impacts) at three levels: the place of origin, the place of destination, and on the migrants themselves. These impacts can be both positive and negative.

Impacts on the Destination Area (Host Country)

Positive Impacts:
  • Economic Boost: Migrants fill jobs, especially low-skilled or undesirable jobs locals won't do (e.g., farming, cleaning).
  • Skilled Labour: Often fills gaps in highly skilled sectors (e.g., doctors, engineers).
  • Cultural Enrichment: New food, music, and traditions make the culture more diverse and vibrant.
  • Tax Revenue: Migrants pay taxes, which fund local services.
Negative Impacts:
  • Social Tension: Possible conflict or jealousy between new arrivals and existing population, leading to discrimination.
  • Pressure on Services: Increased demand for housing, schools, healthcare, and transport can lead to overcrowding and long waiting lists.
  • Wage Depression: A large influx of workers may drive down wages for low-skilled jobs.
  • Language Barriers: Communication difficulties can affect employment and schooling.

Impacts on the Origin Area (Home Country)

Positive Impacts:
  • Remittances: Money sent back home by migrants is crucial for the family's survival and boosts the national economy. (This is often the single most important positive economic impact.)
  • Reduced Unemployment: Less pressure on resources and jobs means lower unemployment rates.
  • Skills Return: Migrants may return home with new skills, education, and business ideas.
Negative Impacts:
  • Brain Drain: The loss of highly skilled, educated, and young people (e.g., teachers, doctors) severely harms the country’s future development.
  • Ageing Population: The young and fit leave, often leaving behind the elderly and very young, increasing the dependency ratio.
  • Family Separation: Social problems linked to family break-up and emotional stress.

Impacts on the Migrants Themselves

Positive Impacts:
  • Improved Quality of Life: Higher wages, better standard of living, and improved nutrition.
  • New Skills: Gain new work experience and cultural understanding.
  • Safety: Escape from war, persecution, or environmental disaster.
Negative Impacts:
  • Culture Shock: Difficulty adjusting to new customs, language, and climate.
  • Exploitation: May face poor working conditions, low pay, or even slavery.
  • Separation: Loss of contact with family members left behind.

5. Case Study Focus: An International Migration

For the exam, you must have a detailed case study of an international migration. You need to be able to name the countries involved and explain the specific reasons and impacts on both sides.

When preparing your case study (e.g., migration between the Philippines and the Middle East, or Syria and Europe):

  • Be Specific: Use facts and figures. How many people moved? What jobs do they take? How much money is sent back in remittances?
  • Link Push/Pull: Clearly identify the unique push factors in the origin (e.g., specific political conflicts) and the pull factors in the destination (e.g., specific labour shortages).
  • Evaluate Impacts: Use the positive/negative structure above to evaluate the results for the origin country, the destination country, and the migrants.
Key Takeaway for Migration

Migration is a complex process driven by the balance between push factors (bad things) and pull factors (good things). Remember that migration always creates winners (positives) and losers (negatives) in both the sending and receiving locations.