Migration - 5.3 International migration

Question 1

Voluntary migration (expanded)

Answer 1

People move for a variety of reasons. Individuals who are interested in moving often analyse the push and pull factors prior to the decision. The strongest factors influencing people to move are the desire to have a better housing situation for them and their families and employment opportunities. Other factors include:

• Change’s in life’s course (getting married, retirement etc.)
• Politics (from a conservative state to one that recognises gay marriage, for example.)
• Individual personality (suburban to city life.)

Question 2

Involuntary migration (expanded)

Answer 2

One of the largest involuntary migrations in history was caused by development. The construction of China’s Three Gorges Dam displaced nearly 1.5 million people and put 1,350 villages underwater.

Question 3

Impacts of forced migration

Answer 3

• Loss of life. When people are forced to flee their homes, they often do so in a hurry and have to pass through harsh environments.
• Violence on the journey. Those are often exposed to violence and human rights abuses.

Question 4

Impacts of voluntary migration

Answer 4

• Healthcare and education services can become strained.
• A large influx of migrants can lead to housing shortages.
• Cultural differences can lead to racial tensions.