Chapter 3: Migration
3.7 Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Migration is either voluntary or forcibly induced.; most such movements occur be within a country, called ‘internal migration’. If international borders are crossed, we refer to this movement as ‘international migration’. Push factors for forced migration may be political conflict or war, violence, human rights violations, or persecution. If such migrants remain within a country they are referred to as internally displaced people (IDPs), if borders are crossed they become asylum seekers and-if their case is approved-they become refugees. Voluntary migration may occur for economic or environmental reasons; some people also migrate to satisfy a sense of adventure or to cut cost.
- In the past, population pressures, such as high birth rates and limited resources, have driven people to migrate in search of better opportunities. Economic disparities between regions have also influenced migration patterns, with people moving from areas of low employment to regions offering better job prospects. In present times, aging populations in some countries create a demand for younger migrant workers.
- In general, higher income countries or higher income regions within the same country attract voluntary migrants for employment purposes. Forced migrants tend to remain within their country’s borders. If they decide to leave their country they tend to flock to neighboring countries regardless of their income status.
- The most pressing reason for voluntary migration is economic in nature; people want a chance at employment. Other reasons are the chance for better education, access to better health institutions and, among others, better living conditions.
- Migration, along with commodity trade and capital mobility, is an integral component of globalization. Increased migration is one of the most visible and significant aspects of globalization as growing numbers of people move within countries and across borders.
