Overview
This lecture explains Zelinsky’s Migration Transition Model, which links migration patterns to the stages of the Demographic Transition Model as societies develop.
Zelinsky’s Migration Transition Model Overview
- The model was created by Wilbur Zelinsky to study how migration changes as societies develop.
- It directly connects to the stages of the Demographic Transition Model (DTM).
Stage 1: Pre-Modern Society
- Migration is local and seasonal, focused on food and survival.
- Most movement is nomadic, with little to no international migration.
- Migration patterns relate to practices like pastoral nomadism and transhumance.
Stage 2: Early Industrial Society
- Major migration is from rural to urban areas due to a population boom and search for jobs.
- Stage 2 sees the highest level of international migration (emigration from less-developed countries).
- Economic push and pull factors drive people to more developed countries.
- Example: Massive European immigration to the USA (1820–1920).
Stages 3 & 4: Mature and Post-Industrial Society
- Internal migration increases, especially from urban centers to suburbs or rural areas (counter-urbanization, urban sprawl).
- International migration decreases; most movement is now domestic (within the country).
- Migration splits into inter-regional (between regions) and intra-regional (within the same region, e.g., city to suburb).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Demographic Transition Model (DTM) — A model showing changes in population growth as a country develops.
- Emigrant — A person who leaves their country to live elsewhere.
- Immigrant — A person who moves into a new country.
- Push and Pull Factors — Reasons for leaving (push) or attracting to (pull) a place.
- Inter-Regional Migration — Moving between regions within a country.
- Intra-Regional Migration — Moving within the same region, such as from a city to its suburbs.
- Counter-Urbanization — Movement from cities to suburbs or rural areas.
- Urban Sprawl — Expansion of urban areas into surrounding regions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Demographic Transition Model for context.
- Study push and pull migration factors for deeper understanding.
- Prepare to identify real-world examples for each migration stage.