The definition and types of migration

Migration refers to the movement of people across a specified boundary, whether national or international, to establish a new permanent place of residence. This process can occur under various circumstances and involves different categories of individuals based on the reasons and nature of their movement.

Categories of migration and related terms

• Voluntary migration - Occurs when individuals have the freedom to choose whether to move, often motivated by personal or economic reasons.
• Involuntary migration - Happens when people are compelled to move against their will, typically due to human or environmental pressures such as conflict or natural disasters.
• Refugees - Individuals forced to flee their homes due to human or environmental factors and who cross an international border to seek safety in another country.
• Internally displaced people (IDPs) - Individuals forced to leave their homes due to similar factors as refugees but who remain within the borders of their own country.
• Immigration and emigration - Immigration refers to moving into a country, while emigration is moving out of a country.
• In-migration and out-migration - These terms describe internal movements within a single country, with in-migration being movement into a specific area and out-migration being movement out of it.

Push and pull factors influencing migration

Migration is driven by a complex interplay of conditions at both the origin and destination of the migrants. These conditions are broadly categorised into push and pull factors, which either encourage or force individuals to relocate.

Factors driving migration decisions

• Push factors - Negative conditions at the point of origin that drive people away, including:
  • Social upheaval or political conflicts.
  • Natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods.
  • Adverse climatic conditions like drought or desertification.
  • Intolerance or discrimination.
  • Poor employment opportunities and low income.
  • Shortages of adequate housing.
• Pull factors - Positive conditions at the destination that attract migrants, including:
  • A high standard of living.
  • An attractive environment or better quality of life.
  • Access to a wide range of amenities such as healthcare and education.
  • Tolerance and social acceptance.
  • Good job prospects with high wages.
  • Improved housing options.

Key global migration statistics and trends

Understanding the scale and patterns of migration worldwide provides insight into its significance as a global phenomenon. Recent data highlights the extent of international movement and the specific challenges faced by certain groups.

Global migration figures

• International migrants - In 2015, approximately 244 million people lived outside their country of birth, representing about 3.3% of the global population.
• Growth in numbers - The number of international migrants more than doubled over the 30 years leading up to 2015, indicating a sharp rise in global mobility.
• Forcibly displaced individuals - According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), by the end of 2015, there were around 65 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, including roughly 21.3 million refugees who had crossed international borders seeking safety.

Internal vs. international movement

• Internal migration dominance - Population movement within countries occurs at a much higher rate than movement between countries, reflecting local economic and social dynamics.
• Focus in developing countries - A significant proportion of internal migration in developing countries is from rural areas to urban centres, driven by the search for better opportunities.

Rural-to-urban migration and its impacts

Rural-to-urban migration involves the movement of large numbers of people from countryside areas to towns and cities. This trend has shaped urban landscapes and economic structures, particularly in different global contexts over time.

Historical and current trends in rural-to-urban migration

• Developed countries - High levels of rural-to-urban migration occurred during the 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to industrialisation and urban growth.
• Developing countries - Since around 1950, developing countries have experienced significant rural-to-urban migration, leading to the rapid expansion of major urban centres.
• Current patterns in East Asia - A notable example is in East Asia, where over 150 million people have moved to urban areas to work in industrial sectors like manufacturing, highlighting the scale of this ongoing shift.

Economic and social implications

Money sent back by migrants to their families in home communities, known as remittances, plays a crucial role in supporting rural economies and sustaining families left behind.

Population redistribution trends in developed countries

In developed countries, distinct patterns of population movement have emerged over time, reflecting changing societal preferences and economic conditions. These trends have led to significant shifts in where people choose to live.

Key redistribution processes

• Urbanisation (until about 1970) - This involved a large-scale movement of people into cities, driven by industrial opportunities and the growth of urban economies.
• Counterurbanisation (since 1970) - A process of population decentralisation where individuals move from large urban areas to smaller urban settlements or rural areas, often seeking an improved quality of life, less congestion, and a closer connection to nature.
• Depopulation - An absolute decline in the population of an area, typically in isolated rural regions, due to high levels of out-migration as people leave in search of better opportunities elsewhere.