4. Migration

Talking Book

This movement of population has occurred throughout history. People can migrate for economic, social, political or environmental reasons. Today, migration is mostly voluntary: people seek better opportunities and living conditions. However, migration is also sometimes forced: people escape from wars, religious intolerance or persecution by dictatorial regimes. This type of migrant is called a refugee. Refugees seek safety and protection of human rights rather than better economic conditions. They usually intend to return to their country of origin when conditions improve.

The study of migration not only involves where people come and go from, but also the number of people moving around the planet, the distance they travel, their reasons for migrating and the consequences.

4.1. Types of migration

Talking Book

Migration can be divided into three types.

• Duration: there are temporary and seasonal migrants, such as agricultural workers and summer tourists. However, the majority of migrants move for a period of years and some permanently.
• Causes: most migrants move for economic reasons, to find work or pursue a particular career. However, war, famine and persecution for political, religious and ethnic reasons have all forced people to migrate throughout history.
• Final destination: this could be regional (the principal economic centre of a district, province or region); national (from the countryside to the city); continental (within the same continent); or intercontinental (for example, Syrians moving to Europe).

4.2. Net migration

Talking Book

When the result is positive, the population is growing; when the result is negative, it is falling.

Developed countries usually have positive net migration. Developing or less-developed countries (for example in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central America) or countries in conflict (such as Syria, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Nigeria) usually have negative net migration.

Between 1990 and 2010, Spain had positive net migration. This added approximately 5 million people to its total population. Subsequently, the economic crisis reversed this trend: immigrants returned to their countries of origin or emigrated to countries with stronger economies. Spanish-born citizens also emigrated to countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom for economic reasons.

4.3. The effects of migration

Talking Book

   

Apart from the growth or fall in population, migration has other consequences.

• Demographics: immigration revitalises the population of a country, as many immigrants are young and active: they work hard and have children. In contrast, the countries of origin lose this young and active population, which is also more capable of changing the political, economic and social structures of these less-developed countries.
• Cultural diversity and conflict: new immigrants bring ethnic and cultural diversity. The host country may reject them due to racism (the idea that some ethnic groups and cultures are superior to others) or xenophobia (prejudice against people from other countries). Immigrants may experience poor living conditions (segregated zones, crowded housing and poverty) and integration problems which can result in social exclusion.
• Economics: many immigrants are unskilled workers, although in developed countries there is also demand for skilled workers, such as engineers and IT workers. Immigrants are generally able to improve their living conditions and many send money home to their country of origin.