Introduction to Human Geography

(GEOH1614)

Lecture 4: MIGRATION

Dr Regis Musavengane
Objectives
▫ By the end of this lesson students should be able to:
 Define Migration
 Understand Migration patterns
 Establish motivations to migrate
 Explain migration controls
 Examine globalization

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 WHAT IS MIGRATION?
▫ Migration - is the movement of people from one location to another,
either temporarily or permanently.
▫ It can occur within a country (internal migration) or across international
borders (international migration).
▫ Migration is driven by various factors, including:
 economic opportunities,
 political conditions,
 environmental factors, and
 social networks.
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 MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Intercontinental movements
▫ Intercontinental migration - the movement of people
between continents.
▫ This type of migration often involves significant
challenges, including cultural adjustments, legal
barriers, and economic integration.
 Economic Factors: Many individuals migrate to seek better job
opportunities and living conditions in more developed nations.
 Political Factors: Refugees fleeing war, persecution, or political
instability often engage in intercontinental migration.
 Cultural Exchange: cultural diversity and the exchange of ideas,
practices, and traditions among different populations. 4
 MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Intracontinental movements
▫ Intracontinental migration - involves movement within a single
continent.
▫ This include shifts between countries or regions within the same
continent.
 Economic Opportunities - Individuals may migrate within a continent to pursue job
opportunities or educational prospects.
 Urbanisation - Many regions experience population shifts from rural areas to urban
centres, driven by the search for better services, infrastructure, and lifestyles.
 Environmental Factors - Natural disasters or climate changes can prompt
intracontinental migration as individuals seek safer locations within their continent.
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 MIGRATION PATTERNS: Interregional
movements
▫ Interregional migration – is the movement of people between
different regions within a country.
▫ This type of migration can be influenced by factors such as:
 Economic Disparities - Individuals often move from economically depressed
regions to more prosperous areas, seeking improved job prospects and
living conditions.
 Education and Training - People may relocate for educational opportunities,
moving from rural to urban regions or from one urban area to another.
 Social Networks - Existing family and community ties can influence
interregional migration, as individuals often follow relatives or friends to
new areas. 6
 MIGRATION PATTERNS: Rural-to-urban
migration
▫ Rural-to-urban migration is a specific type of internal migration where
individuals move from rural areas to urban centres.
 Implications
i. Economic Growth - Urban areas typically offer more diverse job opportunities,
attracting individuals seeking higher wages and improved living standards.
ii. Urbanisation - The influx of people from rural areas contributes to urban
growth, impacting infrastructure, housing, and public services. Rapid
urbanization can lead to challenges such as overcrowding and inadequate
resources.
iii. Cultural Integration - Rural-to-urban migration fosters cultural exchange and
diversity as people from various backgrounds converge in urban
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environments.
 MOTIVATIONS TO MIGRATE
▫ 1. Forced Migration - migration occurs when
individuals are compelled to leave their homes due to
external pressures.
 Conflict and War -Armed conflicts and violence often
displace populations, forcing them to seek safety
elsewhere..
 Persecution - Individuals may migrate to escape
persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political
opinion, or social group.
 Natural Disasters - Events like earthquakes, floods,
and hurricanes can lead to forced migration.
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 MOTIVATIONS TO MIGRATE
▫ 1. Voluntary Migration – Voluntary migration occurs
when individuals choose to relocate based on personal
desires or aspirations.
 Economic Opportunities
 Education
 Quality of life
 Adventure and exploration

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 CONTROL ON MIGRATION
▫ Migration is influenced by a variety of factors that can
either encourage or deter individuals from moving. These
factors are often categorized into
 push factors,
 pull factors, and
 place utility –
perceived value or usefulness of a
specific location

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 Migration Fields and Channelized Migration
▫ 1. Migration Fields - refer to specific geographic areas that experience
significant movement of people in and out, often characterized by strong social,
economic, and cultural connections.
 Origin and Destination - Migration fields can be identified by the places where
migrants originate and the locations they move to.
 Social Networks - Strong ties among individuals, families, and communities facilitate
migration within these fields.
 Economic Opportunities - Areas with robust job markets or educational institutions
often attract migrants, establishing them as key migration fields.
 Cultural Ties - Migration fields often reflect cultural affinities, where individuals move
to areas with similar cultural or ethnic backgrounds
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 Migration Fields and Channelised Migration
▫ 2. Channelised Migration – is the movement of migrants along established
pathways or channels, which can be influenced by various factors.
 Predefined Routes - Migrants often follow specific routes or corridors that have been
established by previous migration trends.
 Influence of Social Networks - social connections play a significant role in channelized
migration.
 Economic and Institutional Factors - Employment opportunities, educational
institutions, and supportive policies can create channels for migration.
 Cultural and Historical Connections

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 MIGRATION PATTERNS
 1. Spatial Search– is the process by which individuals or groups explore
different geographic areas to identify opportunities and make informed decisions
about migration. This process often involves; information gathering and option
evaluations.
 2. Step Migration - is a process where individuals move gradually from one
location to another, often taking a series of smaller steps rather than one
significant leap.
▫ Intermediary Stops - Migrants first move to a nearby town … adjust and gather
resources along the way.
▫ Cumulative Experience - Valuable experiences and insights, helping migrants adapt
▫ Social Networks - Existing social networks, as migrants may move to areas where
friends or family members have settled, easing the transition. 13
 MIGRATION PATTERNS
 2. Chain Migration – occurs when migrants follow others from their community
or family to a specific destination.

 3. Counter Migration – is the process where migrants return to their place of

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GLOBALISATION

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