Topic 8: Migration, Identity and Sovereignty Flashcards
1
Q
What are the two processes affecting the demand for labour?
A
- national scale: people move from traditional rural economies to work in cities, which have become hubs of industrial activity.
- international scale: there is easier movement of people; the EU allows free movement, whereas elsewhere most countries readily offer work visas to those with skills and a sponsor.
2
Q
What are the two main flows of migration within China?
A
- one flow is of rural migrants within the rural interior - usually to a small city.
- second flow of migrants is from smaller cities to the major east cities and industrial areas (due to SEZs). E.g. the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai.
3
Q
Statistics about rural-urban migration in China:
A
- in 1980, over 80% of Chinese people lived in rural areas; by 2012 over 680 million people (51% of the population).
- by 2025 it was been predicted that a further 350 million people will have moved to China’s cities.
4
Q
What is the hukou system?
A
- introduced by new communist government in 1950s and were designed to keep people in rural areas.
- everyone is registered at an official residence. Those moving to cities much be ‘registered’ and buy a permit, which is expensive.
5
Q
What are the criticisms of the hukou system?
A
- permits are usually given to highly-educated workers, or those who have family already legally resident in the city.
- without a permit workers earn less and their families have no entitlement to schooling or healthcare.
- the hukou system has become too restrictive as it acts as a barrier to urban integration for many Chinese.
6
Q
What is the Schengen Agreement?
A
- signed in Schengen, Luxembourg and took effect in 1995.
- abolished many of the internal border controls within the EU.
- enabled passport-free movement across EU member states.
- The UK decided to remain outside the area even before leaving the EU.
7
Q
Which countries are involved within the Schengen Agreement?
A
- 26 countries
- 22 EU member states, e.g. France, Germany, Spain, etc
- 4 non EU members (Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein)
8
Q
How has the Schengen Agreement been helpful?
A
- Since 1995 millions of EU citizens have moved freely across the area. This has helped to fill job vacancies in other EU countries.
- over 14 million people now live in another member state.
9
Q
Why has the agreement been criticised by many?
A
- many claim that it gives easy access to cheap labour
- allows free movement to criminals and terrorists. E.g. terrorist attacks such as Paris 2015 has prompted a rethink about free movement.
- 2016: Germany, Austria, France, Sweden, Denmark and Norway reintroduced internal border controls.
10
Q
International migration definition:
A
- the movement across national boundaries
11
Q
Japan’s immigration policy:
A
- Japan’s population is falling, and 27% are over the age of 65.
- population is predicted to fall by 44 million by 2037.
- the UN suggests that Japan needs 17 million migrants by 2050 to maintain its population at 2007 levels.
- Japan are very closed off to immigration. However part of the problem is language. Unlike English, Japanese isn’t a global language.
- despite concerns about its ageing population there is little evidence of change in the political mindset.
12
Q
Australia’s immigration policy:
A
- Australia’s immigration policy had been skills based. 70% of immigrants are accepted based on skills shortages where there are insufficient Australian workers (e.g. medicine or engineering).
- Australia’s immigrants contribute 10% more per capita to GDP than non-immigrants.
- 88% are under 40 and 50% are aged 20-34 (compared to 20% of Australians).
- migrants offset the numbers due to retire, which would otherwise place increasing pressure on costs of medical and social care.
13
Q
What are the different categories of those migrating:
A
- voluntary economic migrants
- refugees
- asylum seekers
14
Q
What are the source countries for international migrants to the UK
A
- Commonwealth countries, i.e. India, Pakistan and the West Indies.
15
Q
UK migration from commonwealth countries:
A
- 1945: labour shortages in factories, transport and the NHS led the government to advertised UK jobs overseas.
- Afro-Caribbean migrants arrived from the West Indies from 1948, followed by those from India and Pakistan.
16
Q
UK migration from the EU:
A
- EU migration grew after the Maastricht Agreement in 1992.
- EU second largest economy - with the world’s foremost business language migration to the UK has been high and helped fill labour shortages.
- most immigrants are aged between 21-35 and consist of both skilled and unskilled workers in equal numbers.
- although questions now exist after Brexit.
17
Q
Migration in Europe examples:
A
- 2014-2017 saw huge increases in immigration from North Africa and the Middle East, especially Syria.
- for example, 1.3 million migrants arrived in Germany in 2015-2016 as a result of its temporary open-door policy.
18
Q
Migration to the Middle East:
A
- many labourers from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh moved to Qatar temporarily to help build infrastructure for the World Cup as well as to Dubai to support its rapid modernisation and urban expansion.
19
Q
Global migration:
A
- natural hazards have also forced people to move.
- e.g. Haiti’s 2010 EQ displaced 300,000 Haitians, while Hurricane Matthew (2016) displaced a further 55,000.
20
Q
Why do people migrate to other countries?
A
- work and job opportunities
- escaping conflict
- family members
21
Q
Crossing the Mediterranean:
A
- in 2015, just over 1 million migrants left North Africa and the Middle East for Europe.
- a further 340,000 arrived in 2016.
- they were often fleeing persecution or conflict or seeking better job opportunities.
- most arrived in boats run by people smugglers.
- conditions and experiences encountered were dreadful and many didn’t make it to their final destination due to overloaded boats sinking.
22
Q
EU migration to the UK:
A
- many come either work or study.
- 2.5 million EU nationals became resident in the UK.
- 250,000 french people lived in London in 2015.
- migrants have helped to fill gaps in the UK labour market by working in construction, business and management, hospitality etc.
- 2016: a further 270,000 EU citizens settled in the UK, whilst 90,000 left - a record net gain of 180,000.
23
Q
Voluntary economic migrants:
A
- those moving for work
24
Q
Refugees:
A
- forced to leave their country because of war, natural disaster, persecution
25
Q
Asylum seekers:
A
- fleeing to another country to apply for the right to international protection.
26
Q
What is the theory of globalisation?
A
-
27
Q
What does theory of globalisation involve?
A
28
Q
National identity:
A
- national idendity refers to common experiences, beliefs or values, but these are not set in stone.
- they may vary over time, in intensity or by age group.
- migration also affects identity, as different cultures enter a country, bringing different foods, customs and beliefs.
29
Q
Sovereignty:
A
- defintions include ‘supreme power or authority’.
- …
30
Q
Open borders and immigration:
A
- immigration is controversial and can cause resentment with host populations, who may sense threats to their national identities.
- some migrants become victims of harassment, abuse, violence and exploitationm or the subject of hostility in the tabloid press.
31
Q
examples of tensions that have risen with the EU and its neighbouring:
A
- extreme political parties are now becoming increasingly significant in Europe (e.g. Golden Dawn in Greece and France’s National Front).
- since 2014, huge numbers of Syrian refugees and economic migrants have created tensions between Greece, other Balkan countries and Turkey.
32
Q
Internal movements within the UK:
A
- about 10% of people in the UK move - some move locally while others move between regions.
- the regional movement of people is unrestricted and is often linked to the changing labour market.
33
Q
What are reasons for internal migration?
A
- since the 1980s, de-industrialisation in northern Britain has driven many workers south in search of employment. The growth of footloose industries in the South East has encouraged this as has the growth of London’s knowledge economy.
- the regeneration of large cities (e.g. Manchester and London) had led to in-migration of younger people for work, as well as the urban lifestyle. Many families move from cities into rural areas.
34
Q
What are the social consequences of migration?
A
- high inward migration can lead to rising house prices, if housing supply fails to meet demand, together with overcrowded schools, strained healthcare provision and falling local wages.
- large out-migrations from source regions can leave those areas with skills shortages and an ageing population.
35
Q
Labour flows - Mexico ans USA:
A
- poverty and violence in Mexico and Central America have motivated millions of people to head (both legally and illegally) for the USA.
- political upheaval and religious repression in Myanmar is causing people to leave the country, particularly those from the Muslim minority.
36
Q
assimilation definition:
A
- the gradual integration of an immigrant group into the lifestyle and culture of the host country, sometimes at the expense of their own distinctiveness. This happens over time as migrants become more mobile, have mixed marriages, and adjust to the host nation’s way of life.
37
Q
ethnic definition:
A
- a social group identified by a distinctive culture, religion, language or similar.
38
Q
culture definition:
A
- the ideas, beliefs, customs and social behaviour of a group or society.
39
Q
ethnic segregation definition:
A
- the voluntary or enforced separation of people of different cultures or nationalities.
40
Q
apartheid defintion:
A
- the enforced segregation of people by skin colour or ethnicity. The policy was used in South Africa between 1948 and 1991.
41
Q
Assimilation in South Africa:
A
- nearly three decades of equal rights since the abolition of the apartheid have hardly altered its ethnic segregation; residental areas im both urban and rural locations usually remain differentitated by ethnicity and skin colour.
42
Q
Assimilation in western countries:
A
- ethnic groups mau still be segregated by residence, e.g. the different segregation of ethnic groups in London, such as those of Indian descent.
- however, unlike SA, this ethnic segregation usually comes from economic and cultural factors.
43
Q
Why does London have enclaves of different ethnic groups?
A
- cheaper rental properties in inner cities have traditionally attracted migrants to settle close to their workplace. Over time ethnic enclaves have become permanent, e.g. Southall - Hindu and Sikh communties. Southall is equidistant between jobs in Central London and at Heathrow Airport and good job opportunities have meant that these communtiies are able to thrive and buy homes and businesses.
- many West Indian immigrants (1950s) were recruited to drive London’s buses,. Therefore many settled and their descendents live in the same area.
44
Q
Nation state definition:
A
- a nation or sovereign state is when the population is united by factors such as language, a common ethnic and cultural backgrounf wihich bring a sense of national identity.
- nation states change and vary over time, and vary with geographical location, historical events and population migrants.
45
Q
Ethnicity in Iceland:
A
- 95% are Icelandic and 5% are of foreign origin.
- extreme climate - some may not want to move. Average temperature in winter is 2 degrees.
- strong identity and culture.
- also a lack of pull factors: e.g. job opportunities and a remote location.
- those moving to Iceland are expected to learn the language which is deemed as very difficult.
46
Q
Iceland - ethnicity and history:
A
- formed around 20 million years ago and sits in the mid-Atlantic ocean.
- gained independence from Denmark in 1944 and its laws and society fiercely protect its cultural heritage and national identity.
- most are descendents of Norwegian settlers.
47
Q
Iceland - culture, language and food, etc:
A
- all children’s names must come from an approved list - to reserve the language of Icelandic sagas.
- Icelandic language hasd remained unchanged since 870 AD. Although other Nordic languages and english are spoken too.
- 74% of Icelanders belong to the Evnagelical Lutheran church.
48
Q
Iceland - demographics:
A
- population of 372,000 (2021). 23% were of forgeign background.
- ## life expectancy is 83.64 years. 81.41 for males and 85.97 for females.
49
Q
Singapore’s history:
A
- part of the British Empire for 144 years
- on 16th September 1963 Singapore became part of Malaysia before being exiled. Unproductive and high crime rates.
- migration from China - view themselves as ‘Singaporean’. They believe that mainland China are rude and those living in Singapore deel as though they are outsiders.
- first language is english and second langauge is Mandarin.
50
Q
Singapore - ethnicity and history:
A
- first established in 1819 by Raffles.
- divided into four distinct areas:
1) European Town - for Europeans and wealthy Asians.
2) Chinatown - for the chinese ,ajority
3) Chulia Kampon - for Indian Hindus and Sikhs.
4) Kampong Glam - for Muslim Malays and Arabs
51
Q
Singapore - culture, language and food etc.
A
- vibrant mix of languages, culture, religous festivals and food.
- languages spoken within thr country include English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.
52
Q
Singapore - demographics:
A
- population of 5.4 million (2021)
- 74% are Chinese, 9% Indian, 13% are Malay and others have European descent or are working overseas.
- 4 million are residents and the others are either foreign students or working.
- life expectancy is 83.5 years. 81.1 for males and 85.9 for females.
53
Q
What are national borders?
A
- borders separate nations and are either natural, have emerged historically over time or are the result of colonial history or political intervention.
54
Q
What are natural borders?
A
- these consist of physical features that once created natural obstacles, such as rivers (e.g. the Niagara between Canada and the USA), lakes (e.g. the border created by Lake Tanganyika between the DRC, Zambia, Tanzania and Burundi) or mountains (e.g. the Pyrenees betwee France and Spain).
55
Q
What are colonial history and political intervention borders?
A
- e.g. 14 countries met at a conference in Berlin 1884-5 to discuss and divide up the continent of Africa.
- at the time 80% of the continent was under indigenous control however by the end of the conference the continent had been divided into 50 different countries along geometric boundaries and turned into colonies by major European countries.
- the new country borders were superimposed onto existing indigenous regions of Africa with no account of tribal o linguistic boundaries.
- African population had no say in the partitioning of their homeland or turning them into European colonies.
56
Q
Conflict in Rwanda:
A
57
Q
Examples of contested borders:
A
- Ukraine and Crimea
- Taiwan
58
Q
Conflict in Ukraine and Crimea:
A
- Crimea became part of the Russian Empire in 1783.
- the Germans occupied it for part of the Second World War. In 1944 it becamme recaptured by the Russians, Stalin exiled the entire population of Crimean Tatars to uzbekistan.
- Crimea remained part of Russia until 1954 when it was transferred to Ukraine.
- the break up of the USSR in 1991 created an opportunitity for the exild Crimean Tatars, who began returning.
- Sevastopol has long been the base of the Russain Black Sea fleet. After 1991 Russai found otself with part of its navy in newly independent Ukraine. In 2010 Ukraine agreed to extend Russia’s lease on Sevastopol until 2042.
- however in 2014 russian-backed forces seized contorl of Crimea, and its Russain-speaking majority voted to join Russia in a referdum that Ukraine and the west to be considere illegal. 850,000 Ukrainians fled Crimea as a result.
59
Q
Conflict in Taiwan:
A
- effectively been an independent state since 1950, but China still claims sovereignty over it and regards it as a rebel province that should be reunited with the mainland.
- China insists that nations should not have official formla relations with both China and Taiwan and therefore Taiwan has fewer formal ties with other countries.
- Although Taiwan is one of Asia’s economic success stories and is a top producer of computer technology.
- she recognises the importance of Taiwanses identity, but by pursuing its sovereignty and formal independence she risks antagonising China.
60
Q
Nationalim definition:
A
- a patriotic feeling of pride and loyalty to a nation.
61
Q
Timeline - the emegence of Europe’s nation states:
A
- pre 1500s: people lived in small communities and rarely travelled anywhere - their community was their world.
- 1485: the ending of the Wars of the Roses at the Battle of Bosworth led to the Tudor dynasty and the emerging idea of an emerging idea of an English nation state.
- 1492: Spain began to emerge as a global power after Ferdinand and Isabella captured the whole country from the Muslim Moors and began supporting explorers like Colombus.
- 1547-1584: Ivan the Terrible, the Russian Tsar, unified local provincial governments and created the first Russian nation state.
- 1638-1715: France emerged as a dominant European power during the absolute monarchy of Louis XVI.
- 1648: the Peace of Westphalia, which ended the Thirty Years War, made the legal status of the nation state sovereign over other powers.
- 1789: the French Revolution led to the modern French nation state. The French monarchy was replaced by a republican government, which led to the growth of nationalist ideas across much of Europe.
- 1871: the unification of many small independent states resulted in the formation of the modern countries of Germany and Italy for the first time.
- 1919: the Treaty of Versailles, which ended the First World War, led to the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires and created many new nation states.
- 1945: the United Nations was formed from the pre-war League of Nations.
- 1957: the formation of the European Economic Community (the start of the EU) brought six European nations closer together economically.
- 1993 onwards: the creation of the European Union, and its later expansion to 28 countries, brought closer political ties and a single market, which allowed the free movement of goods, capital and people between member states.
62
Q
The emergence of Europe’s nation states:
A
- by the end of the 19th century, most of the European states that we know today had emerged in one form or another.
- however closer economic and political ties were created in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. This has increasingly diluted the importance of national borders.
- for example, 2017 EU member states share poltical, legal and economic ties, and their populations can move freely between them. Therefore many now believe themselves to be European first and national identity second.
