Migration

The “Migration” chapter in ICSE Class 8 Geography explains the movement of people from one place to another, whether temporarily or permanently. It covers the causes behind migration, often categorized as “push” factors (reasons to leave, like unemployment, poverty, natural disasters, conflict, or lack of facilities) and “pull” factors (reasons to be attracted to a new place, such as better job opportunities, education, healthcare, or improved living standards).

The chapter also distinguishes between different types of migration:

• Internal migration: Movement within the same country (e.g., rural-to-urban, urban-to-rural, rural-to-rural, urban-to-urban).
• External (or International) migration: Movement across national borders, including:
  • Immigration: Moving into a new country.
  • Emigration: Leaving one’s own country to settle elsewhere.
• Voluntary migration: When people choose to move.
• Forced migration: When people are compelled to move due to circumstances like war, persecution, or natural disasters (e.g., refugees).
• Seasonal migration: Movement for specific periods, often for work like agriculture.

Finally, the chapter discusses the impacts of migration on both the source areas (where people leave) and destination areas (where people arrive). These impacts can be positive (e.g., remittances sent home, new skills and ideas brought back, reduced pressure on resources in source areas; diverse workforce and cultural enrichment in destination areas) or negative (e.g., brain drain, imbalanced sex ratio in source areas; strain on resources, social tensions, and increased competition for jobs in destination areas).

Exercises

A. Fill in the blanks

1. The movement of people from one place or country to another is known as ________.

Ans : Migration

2. _______migration could be annual, seasonal or daily.

Ans : Temporary

3. _______ is also known as human capital flight.

Ans : Brain drain

4. Both the_____ factors and the ________ factors are responsible for brain drain.

Ans : Push,Push

5. The migrant’s country prospers as __________enters the country.

Ans : Money (foreign exchange) 

B. Choose the correct answer

1. When a person leaves one country to move to another he is known as

1. an emigrant
2. an immigrant
3. a labourer
4. a worker

Ans : An emigrant

2. The type of migration in which people move from the rural areas to the city mainly in search of better job opportunities is known as

1. rural to urban
2. rural to rural
3. urban to rural
4. urban to urban

Ans : Rural to urban

3. The reason people are forced to leave a place is called the

1. pull factor
2. economic factor
3. push factor
4. commercial

Ans : Push factor

4. Migrants willing to happily take up unskilled jobs are known as

1. cheap labour
2. technical labour
3. businessmen
4. agricultural labourer

Ans : Cheap labour

5. One of the advantages to the migrant’s home country is

1. loss of skilled labour
2. increased foreign exchange
3. fall in demand of certain goods and services
4. political uncertainty

Ans : Increased foreign exchange

C. State whether the following are true or false:

1. Migration can be internal or external.
Ans : True

2. The urban-rural migration is uncommon in conservative countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Ans : False.
The urban-rural migration is common in conservative countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan.

3. Jobs in a new country are not a pull factor.
Ans : False.
Jobs in a new country are a pull factor.

4. Immigrants don’t bring rich cultural diversity and traditions to their new country.
Ans : False.
Immigrants bring rich cultural diversity and traditions to their new country.

5. Social and civic pressures develop as migrants entering the new country put pressure on the existing resources.
Ans : True.

D. Answer the following questions in brief

Question 1.
Define migration.
Answer:
Migration refers to the movement of individuals or animals, frequently across long distances, to establish themselves in a new location, be it for a short period or for good.

Question 2.
What do you understand about rural-urban migration ?
Answer:
Rural exodus to cities is a global phenomenon. It’s often fueled by a lack of opportunities and services in the countryside, pushing people out, while the prospect of better jobs, education, and healthcare in urban areas pulls them in. This dual pressure drives city growth and reshapes both rural and urban landscapes

Question 3.
What is primitive migration?
Answer:
This type of migration is often seen in traditional societies, such as nomadic pastoralists or those practicing shifting cultivation, who move frequently to find resources like pasture for their animals or fertile land for crops.

Question 4.
Differentiate between free and forced migration.
Answer:
Migration, the movement of people, is categorized into two main types: free and forced. Free migration is voluntary, driven by personal choice for opportunities like better jobs, education, or quality of life. Forced migration, conversely, occurs when people are compelled to leave due to external pressures such as conflict, violence, persecution, or natural disasters, leaving them with little to no choice in their displacement.

Question 5.
What is illegal migration?
Answer:
Illegal migration, also termed irregular or undocumented, describes individuals crossing international borders without proper authorization. This includes entering covertly, overstaying visas, or using fake documents.

Question 6.
Name any two pull factors for migration.
Answer:
Two common pull factors for migration are:

• Better economic opportunities: This includes the prospect of higher wages, more jobs, or improved career prospects.
• Access to better services/quality of life: This can involve better education, healthcare, infrastructure, or a safer and more stable environment.

Question 7.
What does brain drain mean ?
Answer:
Brain drain refers to the emigration of highly skilled and educated individuals from their home country to another, typically for better economic opportunities or living conditions. This loss of talent can negatively impact the originating country’s development and progress.

Question 8.
Give two positive effects of brain drain.
Answer:
Brain drain, while often viewed negatively, can have some positive effects:

1. Remittances and Investments: Migrant workers often send money back to their home countries, boosting the economy through remittances and potentially investing in local businesses.
2. Knowledge and Skill Transfer: When skilled individuals return to their home countries, they bring back new knowledge, technologies, and business practices acquired abroad, which can foster innovation and development.

E. Answer the following questions in detail

Question 1.
Explain the different types of migrations.
Answer:
Migration describes people moving to live in a new place, either short-term or permanently. This can be internal, within a country, like moving from rural areas to cities (rural-to-urban) or between different regions. It can also be international, crossing borders, where people are immigrating to a new country or emigrating from their home country.

Moves can be voluntary, driven by personal choice for things like jobs or education, or involuntary (forced), due to circumstances like conflict or persecution. Forced migrants include refugees (fleeing danger), asylum seekers (seeking protection), and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are displaced within their own country. Some are also trafficked persons, moved by force or deceit for exploitation. Finally, migration can be temporary, for a defined period, or permanent, with no intention of returning.

Question 2.
Name and write brief notes on the four types of migration based on direction of movement.
Answer:
Rural to Urban: Moving from villages to cities, typically for work, schooling, or better services.

Urban to Rural: Shifting from cities to the countryside, often for a calmer lifestyle, lower expenses, or retirement.

Urban to Urban: Relocating between different cities, spurred by career opportunities or personal choices.

Rural to Rural: Migrating between rural areas, frequently for agricultural work or due to environmental shifts.

Question 3.
Distinguish between the pull and push factors.
Answer:
Factors influencing migration can be categorized as “push” or “pull.” Push factors compel individuals to leave their homes, often due to adverse conditions like conflict, economic hardship, or environmental disasters. Conversely, pull factors draw people to new locations, offering perceived advantages such as job prospects, improved living standards, or greater freedoms.

Question 4.
Briefly explain any four pull factors of migration.
Answer:

• Better Economic Opportunities: This is often the strongest pull factor. Migrants are drawn to places with higher wages, more job availability, and a stronger economy, offering the chance to improve their financial situation and standard of living.
• Political Stability and Safety: Regions free from conflict, persecution, or political instability are highly attractive. People seek safe environments where their rights are protected and they can live without fear.
• Improved Quality of Life and Services: Access to better education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public services can significantly pull migrants. Developed regions often offer a higher overall quality of life, including amenities and opportunities for personal growth.
• Family Reunification/Social Networks: The presence of family members or established social networks (friends, community members from the same origin) in a new location acts as a powerful pull. 

Question 5.
Briefly explain any four push factors of migration.
Answer:

1. Lack of Economic Opportunities: When there are few jobs, low wages, or limited chances for career advancement, people often migrate in search of better livelihoods elsewhere.
2. Political Instability/Conflict: Wars, civil unrest, persecution, or oppressive governments can force people to flee their homes to find safety and security.
3. Environmental Disasters: Natural calamities like droughts, floods, earthquakes, or long-term climate change impacts (e.g., desertification) can render areas uninhabitable or unsustainable, leading to displacement.
4. Poor Social Services: Inadequate access to essential services such as quality education, healthcare, sanitation, or a lack of basic infrastructure can push individuals and families to seek places with better living conditions.

Question 6.
What are the socio-economic advantages of migration which the destination country experiences ?
Answer:
Migration offers several socio-economic advantages for destination countries:

Economic Advantages:

• Labor Supply and Skills: Migrants often fill labor shortages, particularly in sectors with insufficient local workers (e.g., agriculture, healthcare, construction). They bring diverse skills, knowledge, and energy, boosting productivity and economic growth.
• Demographic Rejuvenation: In countries with aging populations, young migrants help maintain a strong working-age population, supporting social security systems and ensuring the sustainability of essential services.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Immigrants are often more entrepreneurial, contributing to innovation and the creation of new businesses, which further stimulates the economy.
• Fiscal Contributions: Migrants typically pay taxes and contribute to social security systems, often contributing more in taxes than they receive in benefits, thus improving public finances.
• Increased Demand: As consumers, migrants contribute to increased demand for goods and services, stimulating local markets.

Social Advantages:

• Cultural Diversity: Migration enriches the destination country with diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives, leading to a more vibrant and cosmopolitan society.
• Increased Understanding: A multi-ethnic society can foster greater understanding and tolerance between different cultural groups.
• Revitalization of Services: Immigrants can inject new life into local communities, sometimes by establishing new businesses or revitalizing local services.
• Filling Social Gaps: In some cases, migrants take on jobs that native-born citizens are less willing to do, ensuring the continued functioning of essential services

Question 7.
What are the causes of brain drain ?
Answer:
Brain drain occurs when skilled individuals leave their home country, primarily for economic reasons like better pay and job opportunities. Lack of research facilities and career advancement at home also contributes. Social factors, including better education and healthcare abroad, are significant motivators. Additionally, political instability or poor working conditions can push talented professionals to seek more stable environments elsewhere.

F. Picture study.

Question 1. This is a picture of refugees leaving their country and moving to another country. 

Answer :The image depicts a group of individuals, some of whom are children, walking onward. A few of them are glancing backward. Given the context provided, their demeanor and the overall scene strongly suggest they are in the midst of a migratory journey, likely as refugees.

Question 2. What does the picture tell us? 

Answer:The picture depicts a group of people, possibly families, engaged in a journey. Their posture and expressions suggest a challenging or arduous movement, possibly implying displacement or seeking safety. 

Question 3. What is the main cause of this migration? 

Answer:While the specific cause isn’t explicitly stated in the image, the context of “refugees” typically implies displacement due to factors like conflict, political instability, persecution, or natural disasters in their home country.

Question 4. Is this migration because of a pull factor or a push factor? 

Answer:This migration is primarily due to push factors. Push factors are circumstances that compel people to leave their home country, such as war, persecution, lack of safety, or economic hardship. While “pull factors” (attractions of a new country) might play a role in destination choice, the initial act of leaving as a refugee is driven by adverse conditions at home.

G. On an outline map of the world mark any five regions affected by international migration.
Answer:

Question 1. When did the early human migration start? 

Answer:Human migration started approximately 60,000 to 70,000 years ago, as Homo sapiens began spreading from Africa.

Question 2. Why do people migrate? Explain with examples. 

Answer:People migrate for various reasons, broadly categorized as push and pull factors. Push factors compel people to leave, such as war (e.g., Syrians fleeing conflict), natural disasters (e.g., people displaced by hurricanes), lack of jobs (e.g., economic migrants from rural areas seeking urban work), or political instability. Pull factors attract people to a new location, like better job opportunities (e.g., skilled workers moving for higher salaries), educational prospects (e.g., students going abroad for university), or better quality of life and safety.

Question 3. What are the socio-economic advantages of migration which the home country experiences? 

Answer:The home country can benefit from migration through remittances sent back by migrants, which boost the economy and improve living standards for families. It can also reduce unemployment pressure and foster cultural exchange with the destination country. Additionally, returning migrants often bring back new skills, knowledge, and capital, contributing to development.

Question 4. What are the disadvantages of migration to the migrants as well as the destination countries?

 Answer:For migrants, disadvantages can include exploitation, discrimination, difficulties adapting to a new culture, language barriers, and separation from family. They may also face challenges with legal status and access to services. For destination countries, disadvantages can include increased strain on public services (housing, healthcare, education), potential social tensions due to cultural differences, and in some cases, downward pressure on wages for low-skilled jobs.

Question 5. What are the disadvantages of migration to the home country of the migrants? 

Answer:The home country can experience a “brain drain” if highly skilled individuals leave, leading to a loss of talent and expertise. This can hinder economic development and innovation. There can also be social costs, such as the breakup of families or a skewed demographic balance if mostly young adults migrate.

Question 6. What are the negative impacts of brain drain?

 Answer:Brain drain negatively impacts a country by reducing its skilled workforce and intellectual capital. This can lead to slower economic growth, a decline in innovation, and difficulties in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and technology. It can also decrease the quality of public services and limit a nation’s competitive edge.

Question 7. What do you mean by diaspora? 

Answer:A diaspora refers to a scattered population whose origin lies in a separate geographic locale. It describes the community of people who have left their homeland to live in other parts of the world, often maintaining cultural and emotional ties to their ancestral land.

Question 8. What is remittance? 

Answer:Financial transfers, especially remittances from migrants, are incredibly important for many developing nations. They provide a direct and stable source of income for families, helping to reduce poverty by covering basic needs like food, housing, education, and healthcare. Beyond individual households, these funds boost local economies by increasing consumption and encouraging small business investment and entrepreneurship. This consistent inflow also strengthens a country’s foreign exchange reserves and can even improve financial inclusion by drawing more people into formal banking systems. In essence, these transfers are a vital lifeline, fostering both individual well-being and broader economic growth.

9. Fill in the blanks

1. People moving from one place to another within a country is called _______ migration.

Ans : Internal

2. Many people from Mexico migrate illegally to the neighbouring US in search of  _____.

Ans : Jobs

3. People from Delhi moving to Gurugram is an example of __________migration.

Ans : Urban to urban 

4. _______ are people who leave their country and move to another country.

Ans : Emigrants

5. Immigrants are people who arrive in another country after leaving their own country.

Ans : Immigrants 

6. ________ factors are reasons that force people to leave a place.

Ans : Push

7. _____ factors are reasons that attract people to a new place.

Ans : Pull