Migration Theories | Geography Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Migration Theories in Geography

Migration is a fundamental aspect of human geography that involves the movement of people from one place to another for various reasons. These movements have shaped societies, economies, and landscapes throughout history. Understanding migration theories is crucial for the UPSC CSE Geography optional exam. Here are ten migration theories, each discussed in detail:

1. Ravenstein's Laws of Migration

Introduction:
Proposed by Ernst Georg Ravenstein, a German-English geographer in the late 19th century.
These laws are based on observations of migration patterns in England.

Laws:

• Law of Distance: The distance migrants travel is usually short, but longer distances are covered when migrating to major cities or overseas destinations.
• Law of Direction: Most migrations are directed from rural to urban areas, following specific patterns.
• Law of Gravity Model of Migration: The volume of migration between two places is directly proportional to their size and inversely proportional to the distance between them.
• Law of Push and Pull Factors: Migrants are influenced by push factors (negative aspects of the origin) and pull factors (positive aspects of the destination).
• Law of Intervening Opportunities: If a favorable destination is encountered during migration, migrants may settle there instead of continuing their journey to the original destination.

2. Lee's Push-Pull Theory

Introduction:

• Developed by Everett S. Lee, an American geographer, in the 1960s.
• Provides a more nuanced explanation of the factors influencing migration decisions.

Key Points:

• Push Factors: These are conditions and circumstances that compel people to leave their origin, such as poverty, conflict, environmental disasters, etc.
• Pull Factors: These are factors that attract migrants to a particular destination, such as economic opportunities, better living conditions, political stability, etc.
• Intervening Obstacles: Lee's theory also considers obstacles that may disrupt migration flows, like physical barriers, legal restrictions, cultural differences, etc.

3. Zelinsky's Mobility Transition Model

Introduction:

• Developed by Wilbur Zelinsky, an American geographer, in the mid-20th century.
• It correlates migration patterns with the demographic transition model.

Key Stages:

• Stage 1 (Pre-Industrial Society): Migration is limited, and people are bound to their birthplace due to traditional and subsistence lifestyles.
• Stage 2 (Transitional Society): High rural-to-urban migration due to urbanization and industrialization.
• Stage 3 (Industrial Society): Interregional migration declines, and urban-to-suburban migration increases.
• Stage 4 (Post-Industrial Society): Migration becomes intraregional and international, primarily driven by lifestyle choices.

4. Everett's Migration Theory

Introduction:

• Proposed by Daniel W. Everett, an American anthropologist.
• This theory focuses on how language and culture influence migration decisions.

Key Aspects:

• Language and Identity: People tend to migrate to places where their language is spoken or to locations where they can preserve their cultural identity.
• Networks and Social Connections: Migration often occurs along established social networks, where individuals rely on family and friends for support and information.

5. Gravity Model of Migration

Introduction:

• A quantitative model used to predict migration patterns between two locations.
• Widely employed in demographic studies.

Formula:

• The model is based on Newton's law of gravity, with migration being inversely proportional to the distance between locations and directly proportional to their populations.

Application:

• Governments and policymakers use this model to plan infrastructure development and resource allocation based on predicted migration patterns.

6. Space-Time Compression Theory

Introduction:

• Developed by David Harvey, a British geographer, in the late 20th century.
• Focuses on the impact of technology and communication advancements on migration.

Key Concepts:

• Space-Time Compression: Technological advancements (e.g., transportation, communication) reduce the time and effort required to connect distant places, facilitating migration.
• Globalization: The theory links migration to the broader process of globalization, where borders become more porous, and mobility increases.

7. Dual Labor Market Theory

Introduction:

• Proposed by Piore and Safford, American economists.
• Explains migration in the context of labor markets.

Key Points:

• Primary Labor Market: Occupied by highly skilled, well-paid workers with job security.
• Secondary Labor Market: Comprises low-skilled, low-wage workers with little job security.
• Migration: Migration occurs as low-skilled workers move from less developed regions to developed ones in search of job opportunities.

8. Harris-Todaro Model

Introduction:

• Developed by John R. Harris and Michael P. Todaro, economists.
• Offers insights into rural-to-urban migration in developing countries.

Key Concepts:

• Urban Unemployment: The urban labor market has a surplus of labor, resulting in higher unemployment rates.
• Urban Wage: Despite urban unemployment, wages remain relatively higher than rural wages.
• Migration Decision: Individuals migrate with the expectation of higher urban wages, leading to a persistent influx of rural migrants.

9. New Economics of Labor Migration Theory

Introduction:

• Developed by economists Stark and Bloom in the late 20th century.
• Explores the role of remittances in migration decisions.

Key Aspects:

• Household Perspective: Migration decisions are made at the household level, considering not just economic factors but also social and cultural considerations.
• Remittances: The theory highlights how remittances sent back home by migrants play a crucial role in sustaining rural economies and influencing further migration.

10. Human Capital Theory

Introduction:

• Developed by economist Gary Becker.
• Focuses on how migration is influenced by the education and skills of individuals.

Key Points:

• Human Capital: Individuals with higher education and skills are more likely to migrate, seeking better economic opportunities and higher wages.
• Brain Drain: The theory also addresses the issue of "brain drain," where highly skilled individuals migrate from less developed to developed countries, potentially affecting the origin country's development.

Understanding these migration theories will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics of human migration, which is vital for the UPSC CSE Geography optional examination.