Factors of Migration

Factors of Migration

Migration

Migration is the physical movement of people within and between social systems. This movement can be by people as individuals or as group.

Depending on where the change of residence is, migration can be internal when people migrate within the same country or international when people migrate crossing borders.

Factors of Migration

Migration in its demographic aspect can understood in terms of push and pull factors. The push factors operate in places of origin and are all such factors that make safe and decent living standards impossible. The Pull factors of migration are economic opportunities and safe and habitable environment at the destination.

The sociological study of migration focuses on “push factors” and “pull factors” (conditions that cause people to leave one are and to be attracted to another) as well as international demands for labor and the shift of capital across national boundaries.

Push factors are those in their old place which force people to move. For example, there may be civil wars or wars in general in the country, but political or religious oppression, climate changes, lack of jobs or simply poverty are all important push factors.

Pull factors are factors in the target country which encourage people to move; these include peace and safety, a chance of a better job, better education, social security, a better standard of living in general as well as political and religious freedom

In general factors of migration can be categorized into three, economic, social and demographic.

1. Economic Factors

Economic factors play an important role in the movement of population. The volume and direction of migration depend on economic conditions. Both in internal and international migration, the poor economic conditions and poverty of people lead to out-migration. Economic prosperity (prospect of high employment potential) and high standard of living on the other hand leads to in-migration.

Economic...