Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration Factors affecting migration Ravenstein’s Laws Why? Where? Who? Challenges to the Migrant Factors Affecting Migration • Geography has no comprehensive theory of migration, although a nineteenth-century essay of 11 migration “laws” written by E. G. Ravenstein is the basis for contemporary migration studies. • Ravenstein’s “laws” can be organized into three groups: • • • reasons distance migrant characteristics Ravenstein’s Laws • The following was a standard list after Ravenstein's proposals during the time frame of 1834 to 1913. The laws are as follows: • Most migrants only go a short distance at one time. • Long distance migrations are for those who come from large cities. • Most migration is from rural areas to urban areas. • Most international migrants consist of young males between the ages of 20 and 45. • Most migrations proceed in step-by-step processes. • Each migration flow produces at least one counter flow. • Females remain more migratory than the males within their country. • Migration increases in volume as industries develop and transportation improves. • Major causes of migration are for economic reasons. Where do they Migrate? Who Migrates? • Ravenstein’s laws outline 2 main points about migration distance 1) 2) Most migrants relocate short distances and remain in the same country - An American employed in the rust belt of the US is more likely to move south to find a job in Kentucky then to move north to Canada - Secondly it is more likely for an economic migrant in Mexico to move to the southern US rather than Canada. Similarly from Eastern Europe to Western Europe than North America Long distance migrants to other countries head for major centres of economic activity - When choosing to relocate you choose the most diverse and accommodating place. Usually an urban area. This will provide services and have cultural diversity to help you succeed. • Ravenstein also claimed that migrants have typical characteristics: -Most long-distance migrants are male. -Most long-distance migrants are adults rather than families with children. Sources and Destinations Use Ravenstein’s laws to explain the patterns. Why? Where? Who? Obstacles for Immigration • Immigrants – many countries that are recipients of immigrants have quota laws. These laws often determine the percentage of people immigrating relative to the current size of the population • • • • • Example – 2% of the current Asian population is allowed to immigrate in a given year. This is designed to control the flood of immigrants from source countries. Most of these quotas are to reunite families, usually unmarried children and spouses. This usually takes about five years. The quota system promotes the entrance of educated people which constitutes a brain drain in countries currently under economic hardships Temporary Migration – this is generally referred to as guest workers and are common in Western Europe and the Middle East • • • IN Dubai most people working in construction and as service staff are from Southern Asia (specifically Kerala in India) In Canada fruit Farmers will hire Dominicans in order to help with labour intensive grape harvesting etc.. In western Europe a number of North Africans will come into the region to take on jobs locals will not perform. Refugees – These are people who if they remained in their country would be subject to risk and persecution. These are not economic migrants but rather people who are under threat. • • Example – Vietnam was supported by the US in the Vietnam war and lost. Those that supported the US regime would be tried and possibly executed. These people and there families would be given refugee status in the United States . Refugee claims are not as common in North America because of the geographic distance and oceans that separate us from conflict riding countries. • Example – Conflict in Africa sends numerous people across borders in order to avoid the violence. Sudanese to Chad
