Читать книгу Migration and Political Theory - Gillian Brock - Страница 11

The factors that drive migration are sometimes categorized in terms of push and pull factors. Push factors repel migrants away from their countries of residence or origin, while pull factors attract them to a new destination. They can often be combined; for instance, a lack of economic opportunities in one area and better prospects for economic flourishing elsewhere provide a combination of push and pull factors that can motivate movement. Let us look at four large categories of reasons next, which can often be connected as well as distinct.

First, global inequality and uneven development drive much migration. Many popular migration corridors are from less developed to more developed countries, in which prospects for work and higher incomes are more abundant.

Second, demographic changes can underlie much movement. Some countries have high birth rates and young populations. Others have low birth rates and aging populations. One challenge for countries with high birth rates is to provide employment opportunities for all its citizens. Migration for work provides a good fit for both those countries with surplus labor and those with higher demands for labor. For instance, an aging population creates high needs in service and care sectors in some countries, as is the case in Japan and many European states. And youthful unemployed workers in other countries might value the opportunities to work abroad rather than remain unemployed or underemployed at home.

A third set of reasons relates to challenges presented by conflict or political instability. Much migration in this category is undertaken to avoid war, violence, conflict, human rights violations, and other public crises that challenge the state’s capacities to its limits.

And finally, social, cultural, and political factors can drive much migration. Examples include a desire for more freedom to pursue religious goals or to seek lifestyle, social, or cultural opportunities that are restricted or not available in the home country.