IGCSE Geography 0460

1. Population and Settlement

1.2 Migration: Push and Pull Factors

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another, either within a country (internal migration) or between countries (international migration). This section focuses on understanding the factors that cause people to move – the reasons why they leave their home place (push factors) and the reasons why they are attracted to a new place (pull factors).

Push Factors

Push factors are conditions in the place of origin that encourage people to leave. These are often negative aspects of life in a particular area.

• Economic Hardship: Lack of jobs, poverty, low wages, and limited economic opportunities can drive people to seek better prospects elsewhere.
• Political Instability: War, persecution, oppression, and political unrest can force people to flee for safety and freedom.
• Environmental Factors: Natural disasters like floods, droughts, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions can make an area uninhabitable and prompt migration. Climate change is increasingly contributing to environmental migration.
• Overpopulation: High population density can lead to resource scarcity, unemployment, and a lower quality of life, pushing people to move.
• Lack of Resources: Scarcity of essential resources like water, food, and land can be a significant push factor.
• Discrimination and Persecution: Religious, ethnic, or political discrimination can force individuals and groups to migrate to places where they are accepted and safe.

Pull Factors

Pull factors are conditions in the destination place that attract people. These are often positive aspects of life in a new area.

• Economic Opportunities: Availability of jobs, higher wages, better living standards, and economic prosperity are major pull factors.
• Political Stability and Freedom: Political stability, democratic institutions, and freedom of speech and religion are attractive to many people.
• Better Education and Healthcare: Access to quality education and healthcare services can be a strong pull factor, especially for families.
• Favorable Climate and Environment: A more pleasant climate, attractive landscapes, and a healthier environment can be appealing.
• Social Opportunities: The availability of social networks, family and friends, and a sense of community can be a pull factor.
• Peace and Safety: Escape from conflict and violence can lead people to seek refuge in safer locations.

Table: Push and Pull Factors

Factor Type	Description	Example
Economic	Lack of jobs, poverty, low wages.	High unemployment in a rural area pushing people to a city with more jobs.
Political	War, persecution, political unrest.	People fleeing a war-torn country to seek asylum in a peaceful nation.
Environmental	Natural disasters, climate change, resource scarcity.	People migrating from a drought-stricken region to an area with more reliable water sources.
Economic	Job availability, higher wages, better living standards.	People moving to a city with a booming industry.
Political	Political stability, freedom of speech.	People migrating to a country with democratic institutions.
Social	Access to education, healthcare, family and friends.	People moving to a city to be closer to their family.

The relative importance of push and pull factors varies depending on the individual's circumstances and the specific context of the migration. Often, a combination of factors influences the decision to migrate.