Migration And Urban Growth Flashcards
Voluntary migration
Movement of people based on a decision made of their own free will
Sometimes termed ‘economic migration’ as people often voluntarily choose to move in order to improve their economic status.
Forced migration
Where people don’t have or do not feel like they have a choice in their movement
Migration is changing as the world becomes more interconnected
Globalisation means cities have tended to develop rapidly as they’re at the centre of economic activity while rural areas remain more ‘switched off’
Megacity
Population of at least 10 million people
Migration linked to increased urbanisation
- 2018 55% of people lived = urban areas + predicted to rise = 68% by 2050
33 mega cities globally = 2018 + likely to rise to 43 = 2030 as more people chose to live in cities
Increasing number = size + location of mega cities is closely linked to trends in migration
Rural-to-urban migration more evident in
Developing + emerging economies than developed ones
Means future megacity growth is likely to take place in developing countries
Push factors = rural-to-urban migration
- lack of suitable employment opportunities that referent the increased skill-levels + aspirations of young people
- poor working conditions + dirty, dangerous, difficult employment
- mechanisation of farming causes unemployment as fewer people are needed to work the land
- land reforms or land grabbing activity by agricultural TNCs can leave local people with unproductive land to farm
- changing climate conditions (foods/droughts) make farming too challenging or cause land degradation
- short supply of key resources (energy/water)
- natural disasters/conflict which destroy farmland
Pull factors = rural-to-urban migration
- increased availability of employment + higher average wages in urban jobs due to increased investment through FDI
- wider choice or schools + more opportunities 2 train or study beyond compulsory schooling age
- larger + better equipped healthcare facilities
- ‘rural rich’ (e.g. plantation owners) may wish to invest in urban properties for their children while they complete their education
‘Bright lights syndrome’
IT communications + info sharing means prospective rural-to-urban migration easier by removing intervening obstacles (barriers to migration)
Increased urbanisation creates social + environmental challenges
- rapid RTU migration = migrants with nowhere to live build illegal informal housing esp = low income countries. Often = marginal land which has been ignored by developers because it’s too difficult/unsafe 2 build (risk of flooding)
- cities can struggle 2 provide essential public services 4 large numbers = migrants. School places may X be available
- not enough medical staff 2 provide good levels = health care
- authorise may X be able to provide safe drinking water, sanitation, power
- w/o enough formal employment opportunities some migrants may turn 2 work = informal economy = unlikely to contribute taxes = local authorise. Informal economy = fewer healthy + safety regulations = lower wages
- inc population = larger volumes = untreated sewage + toxic waste enters river systems. Waste disposal = less manageable + plastic pollution
- traffic congestion + air pollution = likely 2 increase public transport = overcrowded
- more ppl occupying marginal land could be an increased flood risk during high rainfall seasons (monsoon) - fewer drainage areas = flood water
Mumbai Dharavi slum
- Mumbai has witness rapid RTU migration. Between 1950-2020 + pop increased by more = 560% = 20.4 million people. Migrants continue 2 come from all over India 2 seek employment opportunities = Mumbai.
- RTU migration = Mumbai = created 1 of the largest slums in the world. Dharavi occupies =1 million ppl. Informal employment e.g. plastic recycling thrives in the slum. Annual turnover = US $1 billion
- conditions = slum are v poor. Open defecation may occur due 2 limited access 2 sewage systems. Limited availability = clean drinking water - diseases = dysentery are common. Price of land = Mumbai rises = increased pressure = city officials 2 develop Dharavi 4 wealthier residents.
Elite migration
Movement of highly skilled influential ppl
International migration creates global hubs + interdependence
- 2020 = 281 million ppl lived outside their country of birth worldwide due 2 international migration. RTU migration tends 2 happen at a quicker pace than international migration
- includes increased numbers = refugees + displaced ppl + increase in ppl voluntarily choosing 2 live in other countries for economic reasons
- international migration has turned some cities = global hubs. Cities are highly connected globally + a focal point 4 global activities. Often home 2 headquarters = TNCs + have large, multicultural populations.
- e.g. London + Qatar
London
Experienced notable ‘elite migration’
Many of these migrants would be seen = ‘global citizens’
Elite migrants may aim 2 make use = tax breaks + investment opportunities certain countries offer.
Migration of ‘elites’ 2 global hubs can spread wealth as they are likely 2 employ many ppl in service jobs to manage various interests + properties
Russian oligarchs moving = Central London
Wealthy Russian oligarchs have brought properties + invested in businesses = London which benefits = UK contributing 2 the economy.
H/ = 2022 around 100 properties in London were owned by Russians believed 2 be involved in corruption
Collectively these properties worth more = £1.1 billion
Owning UK property gave Russian elites access = UK bank accounts + private schools = highly desirable
Investments among other factors have led 2 price inflation + made living in some parts = London unaffordable 2 most ppl born in the city.
Sanctions placed = oligarchs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have aimed 2 lessen their influence = LONDON
