Glossary
Counter-Migration (Ravenstein's Law)
A principle suggesting that every migration flow generates a return or counter-flow of migrants moving in the opposite direction.
Example:
When many people move from Country A to Country B, there is often a smaller but noticeable counter-migration of people moving from Country B back to Country A.
Cultural Obstacles
Challenges to migration related to differences in language, religion, social norms, or the fear of discrimination in a new society.
Example:
A migrant might face cultural obstacles like language barriers or social isolation when moving to a country with vastly different traditions.
Demographic Obstacles
Barriers to migration related to population characteristics, such as overpopulation in the origin country or immigration quotas in the destination country.
Example:
A country's strict demographic obstacles, like a low annual cap on immigrant visas, can prevent many from entering.
Economic Motivation (Ravenstein's Law)
A core principle asserting that the primary reason for most migration is the pursuit of better economic opportunities.
Example:
The historical movement of people from less developed countries to industrialized nations for jobs is a prime example of economic motivation driving migration.
Economic Obstacles
Financial barriers that prevent migration, including the high costs of travel, visas, or establishing a new life in a different country.
Example:
The exorbitant fees for obtaining a work permit and the cost of airfare can be significant economic obstacles for potential migrants.
Environmental Obstacles
Physical or natural barriers that impede migration, such as mountains, deserts, oceans, or extreme weather conditions.
Example:
Crossing the treacherous Himalayas presents significant environmental obstacles for migrants attempting to travel between certain Asian countries.
Forced migration
The involuntary movement of people from their home region, often due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters.
Example:
The displacement of millions of Syrians due to the ongoing civil war is a clear example of forced migration.
Intervening Opportunities
Unexpected positive circumstances or attractions encountered during a migration journey that cause migrants to settle in a place other than their original destination.
Example:
A migrant fleeing conflict might find a welcoming community and job prospects in a transit country, leading them to settle there instead of their planned final destination, illustrating an intervening opportunity.
Intervening obstacles
Factors that hinder or prevent migration, making it difficult or impossible for individuals to reach their intended destination.
Example:
The vast Sahara Desert historically served as a major intervening obstacle for trade and migration routes across North Africa.
Long-Distance Male Migrants (Ravenstein's Law)
A principle noting that men are more likely than women to undertake long-distance and international migration, often alone.
Example:
Historically, many guest worker programs in Europe primarily attracted single long-distance male migrants seeking temporary employment.
Political Obstacles
Government policies, border controls, or lack of proper documentation that restrict or prevent migration.
Example:
Strict visa requirements and border walls are common political obstacles that migrants face when trying to enter a new country.
Pull factors
Reasons that attract people to a new location, often representing positive opportunities or desirable conditions.
Example:
The promise of high-paying tech jobs in Silicon Valley acts as a strong pull factor for skilled workers from around the world.
Push factors
Reasons that compel people to leave their current location, often due to negative conditions or circumstances.
Example:
A severe drought causing widespread crop failure would be a significant push factor for farmers to leave their land in search of better opportunities.
Ravenstein's Laws of Migration
A set of generalizations developed by Ernst Ravenstein in the 19th century that describe common patterns and trends observed in human migration.
Example:
Understanding Ravenstein's Laws of Migration helps geographers predict general patterns, such as why most migrants move short distances.
Short Distances (Ravenstein's Law)
A principle stating that most migrants tend to move only a short distance from their original homes.
Example:
A person moving from a rural town to the nearest small city for work exemplifies the short distances principle of Ravenstein's Laws.
Urban Destinations (Ravenstein's Law)
A principle indicating that long-distance migrants are more likely to choose major urban centers as their destinations due to greater opportunities.
Example:
Someone moving from a distant rural area to a bustling metropolis like New York City for career advancement aligns with the urban destinations aspect of Ravenstein's Laws.
Voluntary migration
The movement of people by their own free will, typically driven by personal choice and the desire for better economic or social conditions.
Example:
A college graduate moving to a new city to pursue a career opportunity is an instance of voluntary migration.
Young Adults (Ravenstein's Law)
A principle observing that young adults are more prone to migrate, especially internationally, compared to families or older individuals.
Example:
The large number of university students and recent graduates seeking opportunities abroad illustrates the young adults principle of migration.