Migration and Mobility: Types, Causes and Business Implications Questions

Question 1

What is net migration?

Accepted Answer

Net migration is the difference between in-migrants and out-migrants (in-migrants minus out-migrants).

Question 2

State one pull factor of migration.

Accepted Answer

One pull factor is better job opportunities and higher wages at the destination (any one pull factor).

Question 3

Define migration.

Accepted Answer

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another for a long period or permanently.

Question 4

What is internal migration?

Accepted Answer

Internal migration is movement of people within a country (for example, rural–urban or urban–urban migration).

Question 5

State one push factor of migration.

Accepted Answer

One push factor is unemployment or low income at the place of origin (any one push factor).

Question 6

What is seasonal migration?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal migration is temporary movement of people for employment during certain months or seasons, after which they often return.

Question 7

Write any three types of migration.

Accepted Answer

Types of migration include:

1) Internal migration (within a country, e.g., rural–urban).
2) International migration (across countries).
3) Seasonal/temporary migration (for work during certain periods).

(Any three types can be written.)

Question 8

Explain push and pull factors of migration (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Push–pull factors explain why people migrate.

Push factors (from origin) include unemployment, low wages, poor services, and disasters.
Pull factors (to destination) include jobs, higher wages, better education/healthcare and amenities.

Thus, people are pushed out by problems and pulled in by opportunities.

(Any three points/examples can be written.)

Question 9

Write any three effects of migration on the place of destination.

Accepted Answer

Effects of migration on destination areas include:

1) Increased labour supply for industries and services.
2) Increased demand for housing, transport, food and basic services.
3) Pressure on infrastructure and possible growth of slums if urban planning is weak.

(Any three effects can be written.)

Question 10

Write any three business implications of migration.

Accepted Answer

Business implications of migration include:

1) Market size shifts—demand rises in receiving towns/cities.
2) New customer segments—migrants increase demand for affordable products and remittance services.
3) Labour supply changes—availability of workers affects wages and hiring policies.

(Any three points can be written.)

Question 11

Differentiate between migration and mobility (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Migration and mobility differ as follows:

1) Migration is movement of people from one place to another for long period/permanently, whereas mobility is a broader term meaning movement/change.
2) Mobility can be spatial (place change) or social (status/class change), whereas migration is mainly spatial.
3) All migration is mobility, but all mobility is not migration.

(Any three points can be written.)

Question 12

Distinguish between push factors and pull factors of migration (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Push and pull factors differ as follows:

| Basis | Push factors | Pull factors |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Conditions that force people to leave the place of origin | Conditions that attract people to the destination |
| Examples | Unemployment, low wages, poor services, disasters | Better jobs, higher wages, education, healthcare, amenities |
| Effect | Creates pressure to move out | Creates attraction to move in |

(Any three points can be written.)

Question 13

Explain migration: meaning, types and causes.

Accepted Answer

Migration means the movement of people from one place to another for a long period or permanently. Migration may occur within a country (internal) or across countries (international). It is an important demographic factor because it changes the distribution of population and affects both rural and urban life.

Types of migration can be classified in different ways. On the basis of boundary, migration may be internal (rural–urban, rural–rural, urban–urban) or international (immigration and emigration). On the basis of duration, migration may be permanent or temporary/seasonal. Seasonal migration is common when people move for work during certain months and return to their native place. Migration can also be voluntary (for jobs, education, marriage) or forced (due to disasters, conflict, displacement).

Causes of migration are often explained through push and pull factors. Push factors include unemployment, low wages, poverty, lack of education and health facilities, and natural calamities in the origin area. Pull factors include better job opportunities, higher wages, better education, healthcare, transport, and urban amenities in the destination.

Thus, migration is a result of economic, social and environmental reasons, and it continuously reshapes population distribution in society.

Question 14

Explain the effects of migration and discuss its business implications.

Accepted Answer

Migration affects both the place of origin (sending area) and the place of destination (receiving area). In the place of origin, migration may reduce pressure on land and resources and may bring remittances (money sent back) that increase household income. At the same time, it can create labour shortages during peak seasons and may lead to brain drain when skilled people leave.

In the destination area, migration increases labour supply, especially in construction, manufacturing and service sectors. It also increases demand for housing, transport, food, water supply, healthcare and other urban services. When migration is rapid and planning is weak, it may lead to overcrowding, slum growth, traffic congestion and pressure on infrastructure. Social and cultural diversity increases, which can be positive, but sometimes social tensions can occur.

Migration has several business implications. Firstly, it shifts market size. Businesses find growing demand in migrant-receiving towns and city areas, especially near industrial zones. Secondly, migration creates new customer segments. Migrant workers demand affordable products, small pack sizes, low-cost services, and financial services such as remittance facilities and digital payments. Thirdly, migration affects labour markets by changing availability of workers and wage levels, which influences recruitment strategies, training, safety policies and HR practices.

Therefore, migration is a key factor for business location decisions, demand forecasting, workforce planning and distribution strategy. Companies that track migration trends can plan investments more accurately and reduce market risk.

Question 15

Explain how migration influences urbanization and business opportunities in cities.

Accepted Answer

Urbanization is the process of growth of cities and expansion of urban ways of life. Migration, especially rural–urban migration, is one of the strongest causes of urbanization. When people move to cities for jobs, education and better facilities, city population increases and urban markets expand.

Migration influences urbanization in several ways. First, it increases the size of the urban population, which raises demand for housing and often leads to rapid expansion of suburbs and informal settlements. Second, migration changes the occupational structure of cities by supplying labour for construction, factories, transport, domestic work and service industries. Third, it increases the demand for urban infrastructure such as water supply, sanitation, public transport, schools and hospitals.

For businesses, this creates many opportunities. As migrants settle in cities, demand rises for low-cost rental housing, groceries, food outlets, telecom, transport, healthcare and banking services. Retailers may find high demand for affordable products and smaller pack sizes. Financial services and digital payment providers benefit from migrants needing remittances and easy transfers. Employers also gain access to a larger labour pool.

However, unplanned urbanization can create challenges like congestion, pollution and pressure on services, which businesses must consider in location and logistics planning.

Thus, migration-driven urbanization expands city markets and labour supply, creating strong business opportunities when supported by proper planning and inclusive services.

Migration and Mobility: Types, Causes and Business Implications

8 more questions to unlock