Migration: Demography

What is migration?

the movement of people from one country to another

What is net migration?

the difference between number entering (immigration) and leaving (emigration) a country

What is internal migration?

the movement of people within a country

What has happened to net migration in the UK since the 1980s?

a sharp increase with peaks and a recent drop

What are push factors?

conditions encouraging people to leave their home country

What are some examples of push factors?

• conflict

• poverty

• unemployment

What are pull factors?

conditions attracting people to a new country

What are some examples of pull factors?

• higher wages

• jobs

• welfare

• education

• safety

How has globalisation influenced migration?

• easier and more affordable international travel

• global labour markets

• open borders policies

What role do legislation and border controls play in migration?

governments use policies and border controls to shape migration patterns and prioritise certain migrants

How does migration affect UK population size?

major influence on population growth - without it population size would be lower

Why do migrants affect the dependency ratio?

migrants are often of working age so they help reduce the dependency burden

How do migrant fertility rates compare with UK‑born fertility rates?

non‑UK‑born women tend to have higher fertility rates than UK-born women

What impact does migration have on family diversity?

• increases ethnic and cultural diversity

• reshapes family structures

What are hybrid identities?

identities that blend heritage culture and host country culture due to migration

What is assimilation?

policy encouraging migrants to adopt host norms and abandon cultural distinctiveness

What criticism exists of assimilation?

it can lead to the marginalisation and scapegoating of minority groups

What is multiculturalism?

an approach recognising and valuing cultural diversity

What challenges exist with multiculturalism?

• may fail to ensure full integration

• can be inconsistent in government policy

How can media and political discourse influence attitudes to migration?

the portrayal of migrants as threats to jobs, services, or identity can fuel anti‑immigration sentiment