Globalisation and migration

Paper 4 – Globalisation: Contemporary Issues

Objective: Globalisation and Migration

Globalisation is the process by which the world becomes more connected through trade, technology, and movement of people. Migration, a key component, involves people leaving their home country for another. Think of globalisation as a giant supermarket where goods, ideas, and people move freely across borders, just like shoppers picking items from different aisles.

Key Concepts

  • Push Factors: Conditions that drive people away from their home country (e.g., conflict, unemployment, environmental disaster).
  • Pull Factors: Conditions that attract people to another country (e.g., job opportunities, higher wages, better education).
  • Push‑Pull Model: A framework that explains why people migrate.
  • Remittances: Money sent back home by migrants, acting as a vital source of income for many developing economies.
  • Brain Drain: Loss of skilled professionals from developing countries to richer ones.
  • Global Migration Patterns: Recent trends show increased movement from Africa to Europe and from Latin America to North America.

Analogy: The Migration Highway

Imagine a highway that connects two cities. Cars (people) travel from City A to City B because City B offers better gas stations (jobs) and rest stops (education). However, if the highway is damaged (conflict) or too crowded (overpopulation), cars may decide to take a different route or stay put.

Exam Tip Box

Exam Tip: When answering migration questions, always structure your answer: Define the concept → Provide examples → Analyse impacts → Conclude with a balanced view. Use the Push‑Pull Model to explain why people move. Remember to cite real-world examples like the Indian IT diaspora or Haitian refugees in the USA.

Data Snapshot: Push vs Pull Factors (2019‑2023)

Factor Push Pull
Economic High unemployment, low wages Higher wages, better job prospects
Political Conflict, persecution, lack of rights Stable democracy, human rights
Environmental Climate change, natural disasters Better climate, disaster relief

Case Study: Indian IT Professionals in the UK

🌐 In the 1990s, the UK’s booming tech sector attracted many Indian engineers. They were drawn by pull factors such as higher salaries and advanced research facilities. Their migration led to a brain drain in India but also created a network that facilitated further movement of knowledge and capital.

Exam Question Practice

  1. Define globalisation and explain how it influences migration patterns.
  2. Using the push‑pull model, analyse the migration of Syrian refugees to Europe.
  3. Discuss the economic impacts of remittances on developing countries.
Exam Tip: For each question, start with a brief definition, then use the push‑pull model or remittance flow diagram to structure your answer. End with a critical evaluation of both positive and negative effects.

Quick Review Checklist

  • ✓ Can you explain the difference between push and pull factors?
  • ✓ Do you know at least two real‑world examples of migration?
  • ✓ Are you able to describe the economic impact of remittances?
  • ✓ Have you practiced answering exam questions with a clear structure?

Revision

Log in to practice.

0 views 0 suggestions