What is the difference between 'lengthening' and 'deepening' connections in globalisation?

'Lengthening' refers to the increasing physical distance over which connections (trade, migration) occur. 'Deepening' refers to how these connections become more essential and frequent in the daily lives of people and the operations of businesses.

How does internal migration differ from international migration in terms of obstacles?

Internal migration typically faces fewer intervening obstacles, such as shared language and lack of border controls. International migration involves significant legal, political, and financial barriers, such as visa requirements and high travel costs.

Compare the impact of migration on a 'source' country versus a 'host' country.

Source countries often benefit from remittances but suffer from 'brain drain' (loss of skilled labor). Host countries benefit from a larger labor force and cultural diversity but may face increased pressure on public services and social integration challenges.

What is a common mistake when analyzing the causes of rural-urban migration?

A common error is focusing only on the 'pull' of the city (jobs) while ignoring the 'push' from the countryside, such as the mechanization of agriculture or land grabs that leave rural populations without livelihoods.

Why is it incorrect to assume that globalisation leads to a 'borderless world' for all people?

While capital and goods move relatively freely, the movement of people is strictly regulated by national migration policies. Many countries have increased border security and implemented selective entry requirements, making migration harder for many.

What error occurs if one ignores 'intervening obstacles' in a migration model?

Ignoring obstacles leads to an overestimation of migration flows. Even if push and pull factors are strong, migration may not occur if the costs, physical risks, or legal barriers are too high for the individual to overcome.

Define 'Remittances' and explain their significance.

Remittances are transfers of money sent by migrants back to their home countries. They are significant because they provide a direct source of income for families in LDEs and often exceed the total amount of official foreign aid received by those nations.

What is a 'Transnational Corporation' (TNC) in the context of migration?

A TNC is a company that operates in multiple countries. They drive migration by shifting production to low-cost regions and by moving high-level management and specialized staff between international branches.

Define the 'Core-Periphery' model.

It is a model that describes how economic power is concentrated in a 'core' (developed, urbanized region) while the 'periphery' (less developed, rural region) remains dependent on the core for investment and provides labor and resources.

How does the 'Global Shift' influence migration patterns?

The Global Shift refers to the movement of manufacturing from HDEs to LDEs. This creates new industrial hubs in developing nations, triggering massive rural-to-urban migration as people seek factory jobs in newly industrialised cities.

Globalisation & Migration | Pearson Edexcel A-Level Geography

Migration, Identity & Sovereignty

Globalisation & Migration

Summary

Globalisation and migration are intrinsically linked processes that drive the movement of people, capital, and culture across the globe. While globalisation increases interconnectedness through trade and technology, migration serves as the human flow that responds to shifting economic demands, creating complex social and economic interdependencies between source and host regions.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Globalisation is the process by which people, cultures, and economies become increasingly interconnected through the exchange of goods, information, and labor. It is characterized by 'lengthening' connections (reaching further across the globe) and 'deepening' them (becoming more integral to daily life).
Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another, which can be internal (within a country, often rural-to-urban) or international (between different nations).
Economic Dimensions: Globalisation is driven by Transnational Corporations (TNCs) and global finance, which create shifting patterns of labor demand that pull migrants toward economic hubs.
Social and Cultural Dimensions: The movement of people facilitates the spread of ideas, languages, and traditions, leading to both cultural enrichment and potential social tensions in host communities.

2. Underlying Principles: The Push-Pull Framework

Push Factors: These are negative conditions in the source area that compel people to leave, such as lack of employment, political instability, or environmental degradation. In a globalised world, the mechanization of agriculture often acts as a push factor by reducing rural labor needs.
Pull Factors: These are positive attractions in the destination area, such as higher wages, better education, and political freedom. Global economic hubs act as powerful magnets for both high-skilled and low-skilled labor.
Intervening Obstacles: Migration is rarely a direct path; it is hindered by physical barriers (oceans, mountains), political barriers (visa requirements, border controls), and personal barriers (costs, family ties).
Lee's Model of Migration: This theoretical framework suggests that migration decisions are based on the balance of push and pull factors at both the origin and destination, mediated by the difficulty of overcoming intervening obstacles.

Diagram of Lee's Migration Model showing the flow from origin to destination through intervening obstacles, influenced by push and pull factors.

3. Methods & Techniques: Analyzing Global Flows

4. Key Distinctions: Internal vs. International Migration

5. Exam Strategy & Tips

6. Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions