POP - People are Pushed & Pulled [LESSON]
People are Pushed & Pulled
Have you moved before? Then you’ve migrated! By the end of this lesson, you will understand how push and pull factors influence human migration patterns and evaluate the impact of migration on the use of resources and services.
Guide Point 🧭
Understanding Human Migration Basics
Migration, Immigration, and Emigration
People move. Geographers refer to that movement as migration. Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another, whether within a country or across international borders. Immigration specifically refers to the movement of people into a new country or region, often with the intention of settling there permanently. On the other hand, emigration refers to the movement of people out of a country or region to settle in another. It’s simply a matter of perspective. If you and your family plan to move to France tomorrow, bon voyage! From the perspective of France, you and your family are immigrating because you are coming into France. From the perspective of the United States, you and your family are emigrating because you are exiting the United States.
You can use the first letters of each term to help you remember:
migrate – move within | immigrate – move into | emigrate – exit out of
But why? Why did your family choose to move to France? There was likely a combination of push and pull factors. That’s what we will explore for the remainder of this lesson.
Understanding Push & Pull Factors
Push factors are the reasons why people choose to leave their homes and communities. Think of push factors as the things that push people to leave their homes. Push factors, such as political instability, economic hardship, environmental disasters, and social persecution compel people to leave their homes in search of safety, opportunities, and better living conditions.
On the other hand, pull factors are the attractions that draw migrants to new destinations. Think of pull factors as the things that pull people to other places. Pull factors include economic opportunities, political stability, access to education and healthcare, and family reunification. These factors offer favorable conditions for personal, professional, and social advancement.
These push and pull factors interact, driving migration flows worldwide and shaping the demographic landscape of both origin and destination regions. And like immigration and emigration, push and pull factors are also somewhat a matter of perspective. See how a push factor is political instability and a pull factor is political stability? It’s simply a matter of the perspective from which the political environment in two places is being viewed.
🌐 For example, in Syria, ongoing armed conflict and political instability have led millions of people to flee the country in search of safety and security. In Venezuela, economic hardships, including hyperinflation and shortages of food and basic goods, have driven many to seek better opportunities abroad.
The United States & Canada are two countries that provide immigrants with significant pull factors. A strong economy and robust job market have attracted workers from across Latin America and beyond, seeking employment opportunities, higher wages, access to quality healthcare, and social welfare systems.
But hold on a minute. ⌚ How does an outflow or inflow of people impact the places people are leaving or arriving in?
Impact of Migration on Resource Use and Service Provision
Migration has significant impacts on resource use and service provision in both origin and destination areas. In countries like Lebanon and Jordan, hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees has strained resources such as housing, healthcare, and education, leading to challenges in service delivery and infrastructure development. Conversely, in countries like the Philippines and India, remittances – money sent home from overseas workers contribute significantly to the local economy, supporting families and stimulating economic growth.
Guest Workers, Refugees, and Evacuees
Migrants move for a variety of reasons. Here are three specific types of migrants. Here you will learn about the similarities and differences as to how they impact the use of resources and services.
Types of Migrants | Practice Activity
Click each image to learn more about the different types of migrants.
Migration, Immigration, Emigration Matching | Practice Activity
Take a moment to check your knowledge by sorting the type of movement. Good luck!
Reflection
As we conclude this lesson, reflect on the real-world examples of push and pull factors and their impacts on human migration patterns. By understanding these factors and their implications for resource use and service provision, we gain insights into the complexities of migration dynamics. In our next lesson, we'll explore the responses of different groups and governments to migration, including national migration policies and differing responses by local communities. Get ready to delve into the diverse approaches to managing migration!
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