Economic Migration (Edexcel A Level Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Louise Stone
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Rural-Urban Migration & Natural Increase
The Growth of Megacities
A megacity is a city with a population of 10 million people or more
There were just 3 megacities in 1970; today, there are 34 megacities and this number is set to grow to at least 40 by 2030
Megacities grow as a result of rural-urban migration and natural increase
The world has reached a point of hyper-urbanisation because since 2007 more than half of the world’s population live in urban areas
The main causes of rural-urban migration are categorised into urban pull factors and rural push factors
The main urban pull factor is employment as TNCs usually locate in urban areas offering employment opportunities that do not exist in rural areas
Other urban pull factors include better schools and healthcare
The main rural push factor is poverty which is exacerbated by population growth and a lack of jobs
Social and Environmental Challenges of Rapid Urban Growth
The continued growth of urban areas is inevitable which poses social and environmental challenges to these megacities
Social and Environmental Challenges
Social Challenges | Environmental Challenges |
|---|---|
Insufficient affordable housing Limited accessibility to education and healthcare | Water pollution from untreated sewage Air pollution from industry and vehicles Loss of farmland |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Make sure you have examples of megacities and some specific details about at least one megacity to use in your exam.
International Migration
International Migration into Global Hubs
A global hub is a highly globally connected city and are sometimes known as ‘World Cities’
Global hubs can be found in countries at different stages of their development, for example, New York, Mumbai, London, Tokyo, Sao Paulo and Beijing
International migration has led to the growth of these global hubs
Types of International Migration
Type of Migration | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Elite international migration | Migrants are highly skilled and/or socially influential people e.g., Actors, Bankers, Academics and Computer programmers Wealth comes from their profession or inheritance Many live as ‘global citizens’ with numerous homes in different countries | Many affluent Americans and Russian oligarchs live or work in the UK |
Low-waged international migration | Global hubs are very attractive to these migrants Migrants work in low pay jobs such as in kitchens, on constructions sites or as cleaners (legally and illegally) | London, Los Angeles and Dubai have many immigrants e.g., over 2 million Indians live and work in the UAE |
Internal (rural-urban migration) | Main reason for urban growth in global hubs in developing and emerging economies However, it doesn’t play a huge role in Europe or North America | Around 3 million people are moving from rural areas to urban areas in India per year |
Costs & Benefits of Migration
Costs & Benefits of Migration
Migration increases countries’ interdependence with each other
There are many impacts of migration on both the source and the host country
The number and complexity of the impacts usually results in disagreements over whether migration is overall positive or negative
Costs and Benefits of Migration
| Host Country | Source Country |
|---|---|---|
Benefits | Migrants can fill skills shortages Economic migrants tend to be willing to do labouring work e.g., working on farms Migrants pay taxes and spend their wages on rent and in shops Some migrants may start a new business employing others | Migrant remittances contribute to national earnings Reduced spending on healthcare and housing Migrants, or their children, may return, bringing new knowledge and skills |
Costs | Social tension is possible if people in the host country believe migration has led to less jobs or housing Policy changes to address public concerns e.g., to reduce migration Shortages of school places in some areas as a result of natural increase within youthful migrant communities | Reduction in the independent, working population that would have contributed to the economy Reduced economic growth as consumption falls Increase in the number of dependents – children and elderly |
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