1.2 Migration: Identify and explain push and pull factors of migration.

1. Population and Settlement – Migration

1.2 Migration: Push and Pull Factors

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another. Think of it like a bird flying to a warmer place in winter – it leaves its old home (push) and seeks a new one (pull). Understanding why people move helps us explain patterns of settlement and population change.

Exam Tip: When answering, define push and pull factors, list at least three examples of each, and explain how they influence migration flows. Use clear, concise language and include at least one real‑world example.

Push Factors – Things that make people leave

  • 🌧️ Environmental: Drought, floods, or natural disasters.
  • 💰 Economic: Lack of jobs, low wages, or high cost of living.
  • ⚔️ Political/Social: War, persecution, or discrimination.
  • 📚 Educational: Limited access to schools or universities.

Pull Factors – Things that attract people to a new place

  • 🏠 Housing: Affordable homes or better living conditions.
  • 💼 Jobs: More employment opportunities and higher wages.
  • 🌞 Climate: Pleasant weather or scenic landscapes.
  • 🎓 Education: Quality schools, universities, and research facilities.

Push vs. Pull – A Quick Reference Table

Factor Type Example Impact on Migration
Push Drought in rural Kenya Farmers move to cities or abroad for water and jobs.
Pull Tech hub in Bangalore Skilled workers migrate for high-paying tech jobs.

Real‑World Example: The Great Migration (USA, 1916–1970)

During this period, millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to northern cities. Push factors included racial violence and limited economic opportunities. Pull factors were industrial jobs, better wages, and the promise of a safer community. This migration reshaped the demographic and cultural landscape of the United States.

Exam Tip: Use a real‑world example to illustrate push and pull factors. Show how the example demonstrates the interaction of multiple factors and the resulting migration pattern.

Key Takeaway

Migration is driven by a complex mix of push and pull factors. By identifying these factors and understanding their effects, we can predict migration trends and their impact on population distribution and settlement patterns.

Final Exam Tip: Remember the formula for net migration: Net Migration = In‑migration – Out‑migration – $N = I - O$. Use this to explain how push and pull factors influence the net movement of people.

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