Glossary
Chain Migration
The process by which migrants are influenced to move to a particular location by the prior migration of family members, friends, or community members.
Example:
Many Vietnamese immigrants in the United States settled in specific neighborhoods in California, demonstrating Chain Migration as new arrivals joined established family networks.
Demographic Transition Model (DTM)
A model that describes population change over time, showing how birth and death rates decline as a country develops economically.
Example:
Understanding the Demographic Transition Model helps explain why countries like Japan are experiencing population aging, while many African nations are still in stages of rapid growth.
Developed Countries
Nations with high levels of economic development, industrialization, and typically higher standards of living.
Example:
In Developed Countries like Germany, women often pursue higher education and careers, contributing to lower birth rates.
Developing Countries
Nations with lower levels of economic development, often characterized by agricultural economies and lower standards of living.
Example:
Many Developing Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa exhibit high fertility rates, partly due to limited access to family planning resources.
Doubling Time
The number of years it takes for a population to double in size, assuming a constant natural increase rate.
Example:
A country with a high Doubling Time of only 20 years indicates rapid population growth, which can strain resources and infrastructure.
Ethnic Enclaves
Neighborhoods or areas within a city or region that have a high concentration of a particular ethnic group, often providing cultural support and services.
Example:
New York City's 'Little Italy' is a classic example of an Ethnic Enclave, where Italian immigrants and their descendants maintained cultural traditions and businesses.
Forced Migration
The involuntary movement of people from their homes due to factors such as war, persecution, natural disasters, or government policies.
Example:
The displacement of millions of Syrians due to civil war is a tragic instance of Forced Migration, as they sought refuge in neighboring countries and beyond.
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
The number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births.
Example:
A high Infant Mortality Rate in a region often indicates poor healthcare infrastructure, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to medical care for newborns.
Natural Increase Rate (NIR)
The percentage by which a population grows or shrinks annually, calculated as the crude birth rate minus the crude death rate.
Example:
If a country's crude birth rate is 20 per 1,000 and its crude death rate is 8 per 1,000, its Natural Increase Rate would be 1.2% per year.
Net Migration
The difference between the number of immigrants (people entering a country) and emigrants (people leaving a country).
Example:
If more people are moving into Canada than leaving it, Canada experiences positive Net Migration, contributing to its population growth.
Net-In Migration
A situation where more people are moving into a country or region than are leaving it, resulting in a positive net migration rate.
Example:
Countries with strong economies and abundant job opportunities often experience Net-In Migration as people seek better livelihoods.
Net-Out Migration
A situation where more people are leaving a country or region than are moving into it, resulting in a negative net migration rate.
Example:
Regions experiencing political instability or severe economic downturns frequently face Net-Out Migration as residents seek safety and opportunity elsewhere.
Population Pyramids
Graphical representations that show the distribution of various age groups and sexes in a population, often used to predict future population trends.
Example:
A country with a wide base on its Population Pyramid indicates a large proportion of young people, suggesting high birth rates and potential for future growth.
Push and Pull Factors
Factors that either compel people to leave their homes (push factors) or attract them to new locations (pull factors).
Example:
High unemployment is a push factor from a region, while the promise of well-paying jobs acts as a pull factor to another.
Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
The average number of children a woman is expected to have during her childbearing years.
Example:
A country with a Total Fertility Rate of 1.5 suggests that, on average, women are having fewer than two children, often leading to population decline without immigration.
Voluntary Migration
The movement of people by their own free will, typically for economic improvement, better quality of life, or personal reasons.
Example:
A college graduate moving from a small town to a large city for a new job opportunity is an example of Voluntary Migration.