Everett Lee’s Push-Pull Theory (1966)

Question 1

There are many factors which motivate people to leave their place of origin to outside area. They are push factors like insufficient jobs, few opportunities, inadequate conditions, desertification, famine or drought, political fear or persecution, slavery or forced labor, poor medical care, loss of wealth, natural disasters, death threats, poor housing, poor chances of marrying, war, etc.

Answer 1

Factors associated with the Area of Origin

Question 2

There are very attractive forces in the area of destination to which the proportion of “selectivity” migrants is high. According to Lee, such forces are found in metropolitan areas of a country. Pull factors are present in such areas. The following pull factors are job opportunities, better living conditions, the feeling of having more political and/or religious freedom, education, better medical care, attractive climates, security, family links, industry, and better chances of marrying.

Answer 2

Factors associated with the Area of Destination

Question 3

There are intervening obstacles like distance and transportation which increase the migrant selectivity of the area of destination. These obstacles have been lessened in modern times with technological advances. Lee also refers to the cost of movements, ethnic barriers and personal factors as intervening obstacles.

Answer 3

Intervening Obstacles

Question 4

It is the personal factors on which the decision to migrate from the place of origin to the place of destination depends. In fact, it is an individual’s perception of the ‘pull and push forces’ which influence actual migration. He categorizes these forces into “pluses” and “minuses” respectively. In other words, pluses are pulled factors and minuses are push factors. In between, them are “zeros” which balance the competing forces.

Answer 4

Personal Factors