👯‍♀️Population and Society Unit 6 – Migration: Types, Theories & Impacts

What's Migration All About?

• Migration involves the movement of people from one place to another, often crossing political boundaries (international migration) or within the same country (internal migration)
• Encompasses both emigration, the act of leaving one's place of residence, and immigration, the act of arriving in a new area
• Can be voluntary, where individuals choose to relocate for various reasons such as employment opportunities or family reunification, or forced due to factors like conflict, persecution, or environmental disasters
• Plays a significant role in shaping the demographic, economic, social, and cultural landscapes of both origin and destination countries
• Has been a fundamental aspect of human history, with early migrations leading to the spread of human populations across the globe (Out of Africa theory)
• Continues to be a defining feature of the modern world, with an estimated 281 million international migrants in 2020 according to the United Nations
• Raises complex questions about identity, belonging, citizenship, and the rights and responsibilities of migrants and host societies

Types of Migration: Who's Moving Where?

• Internal migration refers to the movement of people within the same country, such as rural-to-urban migration or interregional migration
  • Examples include the Great Migration of African Americans from the southern to northern United States in the early 20th century and the ongoing urbanization in many developing countries
• International migration involves crossing national borders and can be further categorized based on the duration of stay and the reasons for moving
• Temporary migration includes short-term movements for work, study, or leisure, such as seasonal labor migration or international student mobility
• Permanent migration involves a long-term or indefinite relocation to another country, often with the intention of settling there
  • Family reunification, where individuals join family members who have already migrated, is a common form of permanent migration
• Circular migration is characterized by repeated back-and-forth movements between origin and destination countries, often for work or family reasons
• Forced migration encompasses the movement of refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are compelled to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, or environmental factors
• Skilled migration refers to the movement of highly educated or trained individuals, often in response to labor market demands or as part of talent recruitment programs (brain drain)

Why People Move: Theories Behind Migration

• Neoclassical economic theory suggests that migration occurs due to wage differentials between countries, with individuals moving to areas where they can earn higher incomes
  • Assumes that migrants make rational decisions based on cost-benefit analyses and have perfect information about labor market conditions
• Dual labor market theory posits that migration is driven by the structural demands of modern industrial economies, which require both high-skilled and low-skilled labor
  • Argues that migrants fill jobs that are unattractive to native workers due to low wages, poor working conditions, or low social status
• World systems theory views migration as a consequence of the expansion of global capitalism and the unequal development between core and peripheral regions
  • Suggests that economic and political ties established during colonialism and perpetuated through trade, investment, and cultural links facilitate migration from the periphery to the core
• Network theory emphasizes the role of social networks in facilitating and sustaining migration flows
  • Migrant networks, consisting of family, friends, and community members, provide information, assistance, and support that reduce the costs and risks of migration
• Transnational theory recognizes that migrants maintain ties and engage in activities that span national borders, creating transnational social spaces
  • Highlights the importance of remittances, the transfer of money from migrants to their families in origin countries, and the circulation of ideas, practices, and identities between origin and destination societies

Push and Pull Factors: What Drives Migration?

• Push factors are conditions in the origin country that encourage or compel people to leave, while pull factors are characteristics of the destination country that attract migrants
• Economic push factors include poverty, unemployment, low wages, and lack of economic opportunities in the origin country
  • Pull factors in this category encompass job prospects, higher wages, and better living standards in the destination country
• Demographic push factors can involve population pressures, such as high fertility rates and limited resources, that strain local communities
  • Aging populations and labor shortages in destination countries can act as demographic pull factors
• Social and cultural push factors may include discrimination, marginalization, or limited access to education and healthcare in the origin country
  • Pull factors can include the promise of greater social mobility, cultural diversity, or the presence of established migrant communities in the destination country
• Political push factors encompass conflict, persecution, human rights abuses, and lack of political freedom
  • Stable political environments, democratic institutions, and the rule of law can serve as political pull factors
• Environmental push factors are becoming increasingly significant, with climate change, natural disasters, and resource scarcity driving migration
  • Pull factors may include the availability of land, water, and other resources, as well as better environmental management and disaster response capacities in destination countries

Migration Patterns: Global Trends and Hotspots

• South-North migration refers to the movement of people from developing countries (the Global South) to developed countries (the Global North)
  • Driven by economic disparities, political instability, and historical ties, with major destinations including the United States, Canada, and European countries
• South-South migration, which accounts for nearly half of all international migration, occurs between developing countries
  • Often takes place within regions (intraregional migration) and is facilitated by factors such as proximity, cultural similarities, and regional integration (ECOWAS, ASEAN)
• North-North migration involves the movement of people between developed countries, often for work, study, or family reasons
  • Enabled by free movement agreements (European Union) and skill-based immigration policies (points-based systems in Canada and Australia)
• North-South migration, while less common, includes the movement of retirees, entrepreneurs, and professionals from developed to developing countries
  • Motivated by factors such as lower costs of living, business opportunities, and lifestyle preferences (retirement migration to Mexico and Thailand)
• Urbanization, the growth of cities and urban populations, is a significant internal migration trend in many developing countries
  • Rural-to-urban migration is driven by the concentration of economic activities, employment opportunities, and services in urban areas
• Conflict and crisis-induced migration have become major global challenges, with record numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons in recent years
  • The Syrian refugee crisis, with over 6.6 million refugees and 6.7 million IDPs as of 2021, is one of the largest forced displacement crises in modern history
• Climate change is expected to become an increasingly important driver of migration in the coming decades
  • Sea-level rise, desertification, and extreme weather events may lead to the displacement of millions of people, particularly in low-lying coastal areas and drought-prone regions

Impacts of Migration: Good, Bad, and Complicated

• Economic impacts of migration can be both positive and negative for origin and destination countries
  • Remittances sent by migrants to their families can boost local economies and reduce poverty in origin countries, but may also create dependency and reduce incentives for local development
  • Migrants can fill labor shortages, contribute to economic growth, and support social security systems in destination countries, but may also compete with native workers and strain public services
• Social and cultural impacts of migration can lead to increased diversity, cultural exchange, and innovation in destination countries
  • However, migration can also give rise to social tensions, discrimination, and challenges related to integration and social cohesion
• Demographic impacts of migration can help to balance population dynamics in origin and destination countries
  • Emigration can alleviate population pressures and reduce unemployment in origin countries, while immigration can offset population aging and labor shortages in destination countries
• Brain drain, the emigration of highly skilled individuals, can have negative impacts on origin countries by reducing human capital and hindering development
  • Destination countries, on the other hand, can benefit from the skills and expertise of immigrant professionals
• Migration can have complex political impacts, shaping public opinion, electoral outcomes, and policy debates in both origin and destination countries
  • Diaspora communities can influence political processes in their origin countries through advocacy, lobbying, and political participation
• The impacts of forced migration, such as refugee flows, can be particularly acute for host communities and countries
  • Large-scale refugee influxes can strain local resources, infrastructure, and social services, while also raising concerns about security and social cohesion
• The environmental impacts of migration are becoming increasingly relevant in the context of climate change
  • Migration can serve as an adaptation strategy for communities affected by environmental degradation and disasters, but can also lead to increased pressure on natural resources and ecosystems in destination areas

Migration Policies: How Countries Deal with It

• Immigration policies regulate the entry, stay, and rights of foreign nationals in a country
  • Visa systems, border controls, and admission criteria (skill-based, family-based, humanitarian) are key components of immigration policies
• Immigrant integration policies aim to facilitate the economic, social, and cultural inclusion of immigrants in the host society
  • Measures may include language courses, job training, anti-discrimination laws, and pathways to citizenship
• Asylum and refugee policies govern the protection and assistance provided to individuals fleeing persecution or conflict
  • Countries have obligations under international law (1951 Refugee Convention) to grant asylum to those who qualify as refugees
• Labor migration policies seek to manage the admission and employment of foreign workers based on labor market needs
  • Temporary worker programs, skill-based immigration systems, and bilateral labor agreements are common policy tools
• Irregular migration policies address the challenges posed by unauthorized entry, stay, or employment of foreign nationals
  • Measures may include border enforcement, detention, deportation, and regularization programs for undocumented migrants
• Diaspora engagement policies aim to maintain and strengthen ties with emigrant communities and harness their potential for development
  • Initiatives may include facilitating remittances, promoting investment, and extending political rights (dual citizenship, overseas voting)
• Regional and international cooperation on migration has become increasingly important in addressing cross-border challenges
  • Global compacts on migration and refugees, adopted in 2018, provide frameworks for international cooperation and responsibility-sharing

Current Issues: Migration in Today's World

• The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on global migration, with border closures, travel restrictions, and economic downturns affecting the movement of people
  • Migrant workers, particularly those in informal sectors, have been disproportionately affected by job losses and health risks
• Climate change is expected to become a major driver of migration in the coming decades, with estimates suggesting that up to 143 million people could be displaced by 2050
  • The concept of "climate refugees" has gained attention, but there is currently no international legal framework for their protection
• The rise of populist and nationalist movements in many countries has led to increased anti-immigrant sentiment and restrictive migration policies
  • Rhetoric linking migration to crime, terrorism, and cultural threats has fueled social and political tensions
• The integration of immigrants and refugees remains a challenge in many societies, with issues related to labor market participation, education, housing, and social cohesion
  • Balancing the rights and obligations of migrants and host communities is a key policy concern
• Irregular migration, including human smuggling and trafficking, continues to pose significant humanitarian and security challenges
  • Addressing the root causes of irregular migration, such as poverty, conflict, and lack of legal pathways, is a complex and long-term endeavor
• The governance of international migration is fragmented, with a patchwork of national policies, regional agreements, and international frameworks
  • Calls for a more coherent and cooperative approach to migration governance have grown in recent years, as reflected in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration
• Remittances, which reached a record $554 billion in 2019, play a crucial role in supporting families and communities in origin countries
  • Ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of remittances, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a key concern for policymakers and development actors
• The growing diversity of migration flows, including the increasing feminization of migration and the rise of mixed migration (combining economic, family, and protection motivations), requires adaptable and comprehensive policy responses