08 Demography (Migration, Immigration & Emigration)

Summary

This video explores the concept of migration, examining both internal and external movements of people, as well as the concepts of immigration and emigration. It traces the history of migration to the UK, from Irish settlers in the early 20th century to the rise of multiculturalism after WWII. The video discusses economic and political factors driving migration, including push and pull factors, the impact of globalization, and changes in migration patterns. It also touches on the effects of migration on identity, class, and national policies, highlighting the tensions between assimilation and multiculturalism in a diverse, globalized world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another, either within a country (internal) or across countries (external).
• 😀 Immigration is when people move into a society, while emigration is when people leave a society.
• 😀 Net migration is the difference between immigration and emigration, indicating whether a country has more people entering or leaving.
• 😀 Historically, from 1900 to 1945, the largest immigrant group in the UK were the Irish, followed by Eastern and Central European Jews, due to war and persecution.
• 😀 After World War II, the UK invited people from its former colonies to help rebuild, leading to a significant influx of Caribbean and South Asian migrants.
• 😀 In the 1980s, migration patterns shifted with more Eastern European migrants coming to the UK, particularly after the expansion of the European Union.
• 😀 Economic factors like unemployment (push factors) and better job opportunities (pull factors) are key drivers of migration.
• 😀 Globalization has increased migration, making the world more interconnected and leading to a rise in global migration between 2000 and 2013.
• 😀 Modern migration includes various types of migrants, such as permanent residents, temporary workers, refugees, and asylum seekers.
• 😀 Migration has led to the emergence of 'super diversity,' where migrants now come from many different countries, not just former colonies, and bring diverse legal statuses and identities.

Q & A

What are the two types of migration described in the video?

The two types of migration described are immigration (movement into a society) and emigration (movement out of a society).

What is net migration?

Net migration refers to the difference between the number of immigrants and emigrants in a country. A positive net migration indicates more people are entering the country than leaving, and a negative net migration indicates the opposite.

What were the main groups of immigrants to the UK between 1900 and 1945?

Between 1900 and 1945, the largest immigrant groups to the UK were the Irish, Eastern and Central European Jews, and people from Canada and the US, largely due to historical ties as parts of the British Empire.

How did migration patterns to the UK change after World War II?

After World War II, the UK opened its doors to people from all over the British Empire, inviting them to help rebuild the country. This led to an influx of migrants from the Caribbean and South Asia, including Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and Trinidadians.

What were the reasons behind the migration of South Asians to the UK in the 1960s?

South Asians migrated to the UK in the 1960s primarily to fill jobs and contribute to the reconstruction of the British economy after World War II. Many started businesses, took on jobs, and started families in the UK.

How did migration to the UK evolve after the 1980s?

After the 1980s, migration to the UK shifted, with a significant increase in migrants from Eastern Europe due to the expansion of the European Union, leading to more European citizens coming to work and settle in the UK.

What economic factors influence emigration?

Economic factors influencing emigration include push factors such as economic recession, mass unemployment, and poor living conditions in the home country, and pull factors like better job opportunities and higher wages in the destination country.

How has globalization impacted migration patterns?

Globalization has made the world more interconnected, leading to an increase in migration. From 2000 to 2013, there was a 33% rise in global migration, and modern technology has enabled people to maintain ties with their home countries, making migration more fluid.

What are some of the different types of migrants mentioned in the video?

The video mentions several types of migrants, including permanent migrants, temporary workers, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with various legal statuses like citizens, denizens, and helots (disposable unskilled laborers).

What role does migration play in the dependency ratio of a country?

Migration can help reduce the dependency ratio, as younger migrants often come to work and pay taxes, which supports the elderly population. High immigration, especially of young people, can contribute to a more balanced age structure and economic sustainability.