Migration Case Studies

Question 1

The Schengen Agreement:

Answer 1

• Established to abolish internal borders between the EU, allowing free movement
• Has increased migration between countries as it facilitates labour mobility and tourism, but complicates border security
• Member states cede control over internal borders, criticised for enabling irregular migration and security risks
• Controversy over open borders bring crime or “threaten European culture” often targeting non-white populations

Question 2

China’s Hukou system:

Answer 2

• System: Household registration tying access to education/healthcare to birthplace, rural workers are limited to a poorer education and healthcare
  
  • Rural vs. Urban: Rural Hukou holders face barriers in cities, perpetuating inequality, many rural workers migrants can’t benefit from urban economic opportunities
  • Reforms: Recent relaxations allow rural-to-urban migration but retain structural disparities.
  • Identity: Reinforces class divides and limits social mobility.

Question 3

Sweden, Japan and Australia’s migration policies

Answer 3

• Sweden: Approximately 80% of Swedish people are Swedes, integration policies focus on social welfare and language training
  It has recently changed its stance on immigration due to increased violence. It has: reduced the quotas of refugees, stricter citizen requirements and increased the salary threshold to acquire visas
• Japan: 97.9% of the population is Japanese, strict migration policies are enforced, and entry is historically restricted to Japanese descendants. Public sentiment is largely positive, 59% believe it strengthens the country
• Australia: 29.9% of the population is Australian, prioritises skilled labour using a points system based on qualifications, experience and language proficiency
  Has a high refugee intake
  Lenient pathway to citizenship
  Temporary work visa

Question 4

Iceland Ethnic + Cultural unity

Answer 4

• Geographically isolated, has remained untouched by large scale migration
• Genetic + Cultural homogeneity - Icelandics share a common ancestry
• Icelandic is its single official language
• Has strict immigration polices
• Has a high level of cultural nationalism, a part of preserving Old Norse traditions

Question 5

Singapore Ethnic + Cultural unity:

Answer 5

• Multi-ethnic (Chinese, Malay, Indian) from colonial port history
• One of the most ethnically + linguistally diverse nation states
• Shaped by its location as a global hub
• Ethnic Diversity: 13% Malay, 9% Indian
• Has 4 official languages

Question 6

How does colonial history shape nations identitites?

Answer 6

• French Revolution: Spread nationalism and secular citizenship, redefining sovereignty as people-driven.
• British Raj: Partition of India/Pakistan created enduring ethnic-religious divides; post-colonial identity struggles.
• Vietnam: Resistance to French/Chinese rule forged a unified national identity; post-war socialism shapes sovereignty.

Question 7

Cayman Islands:

Answer 7

• British territory with a population of around 85,000, GDP per capita - $109,884
• 116,000 companies registered there, holds $1.5 trillion in assets
• Is a tax haven so attracts offshore wealth with large companies such as Apple, Microsoft and Google

Question 8

Bolivia - Nationalising Industires

Answer 8

• Evo Morales nationalised resources such as oil and gas
• Reduced primary exports and used these to boost domestic manufacturing
• Redistributed wealth to peasant classes
  Benefits
• Increased gas connections
• Improved health care, education and enrolement
• reduced wealth inequalities