6.1 Types and patterns of migration

Migration shapes societies worldwide, influencing demographics, economies, and cultures. From internal movements to international flows, migration patterns reflect complex push-pull factors and historical trends. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for grasping global population shifts.

Types of migration include internal vs. international and voluntary vs. forced movements. Patterns evolve over time, from colonial-era migrations to modern globalized flows. Factors like economic opportunities, social networks, and government policies play key roles in shaping migration trends.

Types of Migration

Internal vs. International Migration

Top images from around the web for Internal vs. International Migration

• 

  Infographics ⁄ Open Migration View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Interstate and Cross-Border 2011 Migration Patterns | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Infographics ⁄ Open Migration View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Infographics ⁄ Open Migration View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Interstate and Cross-Border 2011 Migration Patterns | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Internal vs. International Migration

• 

  Infographics ⁄ Open Migration View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Interstate and Cross-Border 2011 Migration Patterns | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Infographics ⁄ Open Migration View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Infographics ⁄ Open Migration View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Interstate and Cross-Border 2011 Migration Patterns | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Migration involves movement of people with intention to settle temporarily or permanently in new location
• Internal migration occurs within country borders
  • Includes rural-to-urban migration and inter-state relocation
  • Example: Migration from rural Midwest to urban centers like Chicago
• International migration crosses national borders
  • Categorized as emigration (leaving country) and immigration (entering new country)
  • Example: Mexican citizens moving to the United States for work

Voluntary vs. Forced Migration

• Voluntary migration stems from individual choice
  • Often driven by economic opportunities, education, or family reunification
  • Example: International students pursuing degrees abroad
• Forced migration involves involuntary movement
  • Caused by conflict, persecution, natural disasters, or development projects
  • Example: Syrian refugees fleeing civil war

Circular and Step Migration

• Circular migration describes repetitive movement between origin and destination
  • Often for seasonal work or cultural practices
  • Example: Agricultural workers moving between Mexico and the US for harvest seasons
• Step migration involves series of shorter, incremental moves
  • Progresses from place of origin to final destination
  • Example: Rural farmer moving to small town, then to city, and finally to major metropolitan area

Patterns of Human Migration

Historical Migration Patterns

• Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries) marked significant intercontinental migration
  • Included colonization and forced migration of enslaved people
  • Example: Spanish conquistadors establishing colonies in the Americas
• Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries) led to large-scale rural-to-urban migration
  • Increased international labor migration
  • Example: Irish immigrants moving to industrial cities in England
• Great Atlantic Migration (19th-early 20th centuries) saw massive movements from Europe to Americas
  • Driven by economic opportunities and political factors
  • Example: Italian and German immigrants settling in the United States

Post-World War II and Contemporary Patterns

• Post-World War II migration included guest worker programs and decolonization-related movements
  • Increased South-to-North migration
  • Example: Turkish guest workers in Germany
• Contemporary patterns characterized by diverse flows
  • South-to-South migration, climate-induced displacement, and highly skilled migration
  • Example: Filipino nurses migrating to Gulf countries
• Globalization and technology facilitate new forms of temporary and circular migration
  • Example: Digital nomads working remotely while traveling internationally
• Regional migration systems shape contemporary patterns
  • Intra-EU mobility and intra-African migration
  • Example: Polish workers moving to the UK after EU expansion

Factors Influencing Migration

Push and Pull Factors

• Push factors encourage people to leave place of origin
  • Economic hardship, political instability, environmental degradation
  • Example: Lack of job opportunities in rural areas pushing people to cities
• Pull factors attract migrants to destination
  • Job opportunities, higher wages, better quality of life
  • Example: Tech industry in Silicon Valley attracting skilled workers globally
• Intervening obstacles impede migration
  • Geographic distance, border controls, cultural and linguistic barriers
  • Example: Strict visa requirements limiting international student mobility

Social and Policy Influences

• Migration networks and social capital facilitate migration
  • Provide information, resources, and support to potential migrants
  • Example: Established immigrant communities helping newcomers find housing and jobs
• Government policies significantly influence direction and volume of migration flows
  • Immigration laws, visa regimes, bilateral agreements
  • Example: Points-based immigration systems in Canada and Australia
• Economic disparities between regions or countries drive migration
  • Measured by wage differentials or GDP per capita
  • Example: Income gap between Mexico and the US influencing migration flows

Drivers of Migration Patterns

Demographic and Economic Factors

• Demographic transition theory explains population dynamics influence on migration
  • Affects sending and receiving countries over time
  • Example: Aging populations in developed countries creating demand for immigrant workers
• Age selectivity impacts origin and destination demographics and economies
  • Young adults more likely to migrate
  • Example: Brain drain of young professionals from developing to developed countries
• Economic development levels create migration corridors
  • Affects skills composition of migrant flows
  • Example: IT professionals from India migrating to tech hubs in the US

Environmental and Technological Influences

• Climate change and environmental degradation contribute to forced displacement
  • Influence long-term migration trends in vulnerable regions
  • Example: Sea level rise threatening low-lying island nations (Maldives, Tuvalu)
• Urbanization processes drive rural-to-urban migration
  • Shapes settlement patterns of international migrants
  • Example: Rapid urbanization in China leading to massive internal migration
• Technological advancements facilitate migration
  • Reduce costs and increase access to information about potential destinations
  • Example: Social media platforms connecting migrants with job opportunities abroad