Population: Migration

Migration

  • Definition: Migration is a form of geographical mobility or spatial mobility between one geographical unit and another.

Causes of Migration

  • Urbanization: Rural-urban migration driven by wage disparities and better economic opportunities in cities.
  • Marriage: Significant factor in female intra-state migration; approximately 46% of female migrants move due to marriage.
  • Employment: Seasonal migration for job opportunities, often between rural and urban areas.
  • Education: People relocate to urban areas for better academic opportunities; 1.77% of the population moved for education (Census 2011).
  • Lack of Security: Migration due to safety concerns, such as violence or unrest in home regions (e.g., Naxal-affected areas).
  • Environmental and Disaster-Induced Factors: Displacement due to natural disasters (e.g., floods, cyclones) forcing relocation to urban areas.

Impacts of Migration

  • Filling Labour Shortages: Migrants provide essential labour in urban sectors like manufacturing and services.
  • Remittances and Rural Development: Financial support from migrants boosts rural economies and improves living standards.
  • Strain on Urban Infrastructure: Rapid migration can overwhelm housing, transportation, and sanitation systems in cities.
  • Urbanization and Cultural Exchange: Migration leads to cultural diversity and integration in urban areas.
  • Skill Development and Social Mobility: Opportunities for skill acquisition and improved job prospects for migrants in urban settings.
  • Strain on Social Fabric: Influx of migrants may cause social tensions and competition for jobs/resources.
  • Ageing Population in Rural Areas: Out-migration of youth results in an ageing demographic in rural regions.
  • Gender Imbalance in Rural Areas: Predominance of male migration can create gender imbalances, affecting social structures.
  • Population Growth in Urban Areas: Increased migration contributes to rapid urban population growth, impacting demand for services.
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