Globalization and Migration Learning Activity

ABSTRACT

Migration may become the most important branch of demography in the early decades
of the new millennium in a rapidly globalizing world. This paper discusses the causes,
costs and benefits of international migration to countries of the South and North, and
key issues of common concern. International migration is as old as national boundaries,
though its nature, volume, direction, causes and consequences have changed. The
causes of migration are rooted in the rate of population growth and the proportion of
youth in the population, their education and training, employment opportunities, income
differentials in society, communication and transportation facilities, political freedom and
human rights and level of urbanization. Migration benefits the South through
remittances of migrants, improves the economic welfare of the population (particularly
women) of South countries generally, increases investment, and leads to structural
changes in the economy. However, emigration from the South has costs too, be they
social or caused by factors such as brain drain. The North also benefits by migration
through enhancement of economic growth, development of natural resources, improved
employment prospects, social development and through exposure to immigrants’ new
cultures and lifestyles. Migration also has costs to the North such as of immigrant
integration, a certain amount of destabilization of the economy, illegal immigration, and
social problems of discrimination and exploitation. Issues common to both North and
South include impact on private investment, trade, international cooperation, and
sustainable development. Both North and South face a dilemma in seeking an
appropriate balance between importing South’s labour or its products and exporting
capital and technology from the North.
 Globalization and Migration Learning Activity

Reference/s:

George, Susan & Samuel, John. (2002). Globalization, Migration and Development.
Canadian Studies in Population. 29. 10.25336/P6JW2P. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26498168_Globalization_Migration_and_Deve
lopment

1.

Migration has been considerably simpler as a result of globalization, which also

enhanced transportation, information transmission through the media, and
communications.

Growing interest in and knowledge of migration is a result of rising trade and investment
movements in many places. With improved interstate links, more individuals than ever
before are opting to live and work abroad, which has had a significant influence on
migration. One of the most obvious and important effects of globalization is increased
migration: more individuals are moving inside nations and across borders in search of
better job opportunities and better lifestyles. Despite being often viewed as a negative,
migration supports sustainable development. Migrants' quality of life is improved by
globalization. As individuals learn about different cultures, habits, and languages, it
enhances their social lives and fosters greater brotherhood among people. Migration of
talented workers boosts the region's economic prosperity.