Classical Theories of Migration

Question 1

Understanding how populations evolve
through industrialization

A five-stage model predicting
population growth patterns

Describes four-five stages of population
growth, following patterns that connect
birth and death rates with stages of
industrial development.

Answer 1

Demographic
Transition Theory

Question 2

True or False: Populations grow along a predictable model

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Stage 1 of DTT

Answer 3

Pre-Industrial Society

High birth & death rates → Slow population growth

Population growth is typically very slow and constrained by the available food supply.

Historical example: U.S. before 1800s

Question 4

Stage 2 of DTT

Answer 4

Developing Country

Death rates drop rapidly due to: Improved food supply (selective breeding, crop rotation), Sanitation & public health advances

Birth rates remain high → Population surge

Example: Afghanistan today

Question 5

Stage 3 of DTT

Answer 5

Declining Birth Rates

Birth rates drop due to: Declining Birth Rates

Urbanization & higher wages
Women’s education & social change
Reduced subsistence agriculture
Increase in parental investment in children education
Transition in values
Access to contraception (not the sole factor)

Population growth begins to level off.

Example: Mexico today

Question 6

Stage 4 of DTT

Answer 6

Low Birth & Death Rates

Birth rates and death rates are both low.
Birth rates fall below replacement level
The large group born during stage two ages → Economic burden on the shrinking population

Lifestyle diseases increase (obesity, low exercise)

Example: Germany, Italy, Japan, Sweden

Question 7

Stage 5 of DTT

Answer 7

A debated stage

Some theorists propose:
Below-replacement fertility → Population decline
Above-replacement fertility → Population growth

UN categorizes fertility rates:
High-fertility (Sub-Saharan Africa) → Growth triples
Intermediate-fertility (U.S., India, Mexico) → 26% increase
Low –fertility (China, Europe, Australia) → 20% decline

Question 8

Summary of stages of DTT

Answer 8

1. Pre-Industrial Society (high B and D)
2. Developing Country (high B and low D)
3. Declining Birth Rates (declining B and low D)
4. Low Birth & Death Rates (low b and d)
5. A debated stage

Question 9

First formulated in 1885 by E.G.
Ravenstein
A set of generalizations
Based on birthplace data from
19th-century Britain
Many laws remain relevant today

Answer 9

Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration

Question 10

Three Basic Factors of Migration according to Ravenstein’s Law of Migration

Answer 10

Reasons (Motives)
Distance
Migrant Characteristics

RDM

Question 11

Migration occurs due to economic, social,
political, or environmental factors.

Answer 11

Reasons (Motives)

Question 12

Most migrants travel short distances; long-distance migration is less common.

Answer 12

Distance

Question 13

Migration varies by gender, age, and
cultural background.

Answer 13

Migrant Characteristics

Question 14

Ravenstein’s 11 Law of Migration

Answer 14

1. Most migrants travel short distances, traveling in step migration, achieving long distance goals in small steps.
2. Migrants who are traveling a long way tend to move to larger cities.
3. People in rural areas are more likely to migrate than urban residents.
4. Families are less likely to migrate across national borders.
5. Every migration stream creates a counterstream.
6. Females are more migratory than males, but males are more migratory over long distances.
7. Larger areas grow more by migration.
8. Migration increases economic development.
9. Migration is mostly due to economic causes.
10. Migration occurs from agricultural areas to urban areas.
11. Migration increases as technology and transportation improve.

Question 15

Migration follows patterns influenced by
economy & society.

✅ Short-distance migration is more common
than long-distance.

✅ Economic opportunities drive most
migration.

✅ Migration trends evolve with development & modernization.

Answer 15

True key takeaway

Question 16

Proposed by Everett Lee in 1966.

A comprehensive theory explaining
the spatial mobility of populations.

Identifies factors influencing
migration and the decision-making
process.

Answer 16

Push-Pull Theory of Migration

Question 17

Positive factors that encourage
people to stay.

Negative factors (push factors) that
encourage people to leave.

Answer 17

1. Factors at the Place of Origin

Question 18

Positive factors (pull factors) that attract
migrants.

Negative factors that deter migration.

Answer 18

2. Factors at the Place of Destination

Question 19

4 Barriers that affect migration

Answer 19

3. Intervening Obstacles

Distance
- Costs
- Policies
- Socio-cultural challenges.

DCPSc

Question 20

Individuals perceive push and pull
factors differently based on?

Answer 20

Personal Factors:
Awareness

Intelligence

Social connections

Cultural background

AIScCb

Question 21

4 Key Factors Influencing Migration

Answer 21

1. Factors at the Place of Origin
2. Factors at the Place of Destination
3. Intervening Obstacles
4. Personal Factors

ODObsPF

Question 22

People have better knowledge of their place of origin compared
to the place of destination.

Answer 22

True (Lee’s Theory)

Question 23

Migration is influenced by personal perceptions, which may not
always be accurate.

Answer 23

True (Lee’s Theory)

Question 24

Migration decision is not entirely rational and can be influenced by family, societal expectations, and life stages.

Answer 24

True (Lee’s Theory)

family, societal expectations, and life stages.

Question 26

Hypotheses on Migration Streams and Counter-Streams (6)

Answer 26

1. Migration occurs within well-defined streams. 2. Counter-streams develop in response to migration flows. 3. Migration is more efficient when negative factors at the origin are strong. Well Defined MFlow NFactors 4. Migration efficiency is lower when the origin and destination are similar. 5. Greater intervening obstacles increase migration stream efficiency. 6. Migration stream efficiency fluctuates with economic conditions. Low O&D High IO Fluctuate EC

Question 27

Hypotheses on Migrant Characteristics (7)

Answer 27

1. Migration is selective based on personal characteristics. 2. Migrants responding to pull factors at the destination tend to be positively selected. 3. Migrants responding to push factors at the origin tend to be negatively selected. 4. Migration selection is often bimodal (both high and low-skilled individuals migrate). 5. Positive selection increases when obstacles are higher. 6. Certain life stages have a greater likelihood of migration. 7. Migrants tend to have characteristics between those of their origin and destination populations. Select PC, Pull Positively Selected, Push Negatively Selected, Bimodal, PS increases Obstacles Higher, LS, ODP

Question 28

Lee’s Push-Pull Theory provides a holistic view of migration decisions. Highlights economic, social, and personal influences. Acknowledges the uncertainty and selectivity of migration. Remains relevant in explaining modern migration trends.

Answer 28

Lee's Key Takeaways