Unit 5 - Essays - Internal Migration UPDATED

Question 1

‘Distance is the most important factor influencing the type of internal migration.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree?

Answer 1

Paragraph 1: How Distance Affects Internal Migration
Topic Sentence: Distance is a significant factor in internal migration as it determines the cost, time, and difficulty of moving.

Evidence from Brazil:
Migration Pattern:
Movement from poor northern states like Maranhão to industrial hubs such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Average distance: Over 2,500 km.
Economic Disparity:
GDP per capita in São Paulo: ~$14,000 vs. Maranhão: ~$4,000.
Cost Factor:
Transport cost alone can exceed $200, which is significant for low-income families.
Impact:
Long distances increase financial and social costs, making migration more challenging.

Evidence from the UK:
Migration Pattern:
Movement is usually shorter, often within regions.
Average migration distance: ~90 km.
Economic Opportunity:
Movement from Northern cities (e.g., Manchester) to Southern regions (e.g., London) due to higher wages.
Statistics:
Wages in London are about 30% higher than in Northern cities.
Impact:
Shorter distances make migration more feasible for lower-income groups.

Link:
While distance is a barrier, its impact varies based on income and opportunities at the destination.

Paragraph 2: Economic Factors Beyond Distance
Topic Sentence: Economic disparities and job availability are often stronger factors than distance in influencing migration.

Evidence from Brazil:
Economic Motivation:
Southeast region has 55% of Brazil’s industrial jobs but is less than 20% of its land area.
Migration Reason:
Jobs and higher salaries, not just proximity, drive migration from North to Southeast.
Case Study:
São Paulo vs. Maranhão: Employment opportunities are a bigger draw than distance.

Evidence from the UK:
Regional Disparities:
London and Southeast: 30% higher salaries than Northern regions.
Deindustrialization Effect:
Closure of factories in Northern cities pushes workers South despite the distance.
Migration Statistics:
2019: Net internal migration gain of 80,000 in Southeast England.
Impact:
Economic opportunity outweighs distance when people seek better wages.

Link:
Suggests that while distance matters, economic opportunities can override it.

Paragraph 3: The Impact of Social Factors and Government Policies
Topic Sentence: Social factors and government policies can significantly influence migration patterns, sometimes more than distance.

Evidence from Brazil:
Policy Example:
Bolsa Família program: Financial aid to poor families in the North.
Effect:
Reduced but did not stop migration to cities in the Southeast.
Urbanization Trend:
Despite aid, urban areas still attract more due to better services and jobs.

Evidence from the UK:
Housing Policies:
Right to Buy scheme: Encouraged migration to areas like Kent and Essex for cheaper housing.
Affordability:
Housing in London is 3-4 times more expensive than in nearby regions.
Impact:
People moved shorter distances for better living conditions.

Link:
Demonstrates that policies can alter the impact of distance on migration.

Paragraph 4: How Time and Place Affect Migration (Temporal and Spatial Variations)
Topic Sentence: Temporal changes and spatial factors can alter the influence of distance on migration.

Evidence from Brazil:
Historical Example:
1970s: Massive rural-to-urban migration due to industrialization.
São Paulo’s population growth: 80% in a decade.
Recent Trends:
Counter-urbanization: Movement to smaller cities within the Southeast due to telecommuting and better infrastructure.
Impact:
Distance is less of a barrier with better transport and remote work.

Evidence from the UK:
Pandemic Effect:
COVID-19 led to increased out-migration from London to nearby towns.
Remote work reduced the need to live close to workplaces.
Statistics:
2020: 1.6 million people moved out of London, many to areas within 100 km.
Impact:
Shows how technology and temporary situations can reduce the impact of distance.

Link:
Highlights that the influence of distance can change over time and with spatial developments.

Conclusion
Distance is an important factor because it affects cost and feasibility.
Judgement:
However, economic opportunities, policies, and changing conditions often play a more significant role.
Final Judgement:
Thus, distance is crucial but not the most important factor in internal migration for Brazil and the UK.