Migration (AQA A-Level Sociology): Revision Notes
Migration
Understanding migration in the UK
Migration refers to the movement of people either into or out of a country. The UK has experienced population movement throughout its history, but there have been particularly notable increases in immigration since the Second World War.
Immigration specifically describes the process where people move into the UK from other countries. This has occurred in distinct waves that have shaped the UK's demographic composition.
The post-Second World War period marked a significant turning point in UK migration patterns, establishing trends that continue to influence the country's demographic landscape today.
Historical patterns of migration
The UK has experienced two major waves of immigration in the post-war period:
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First wave (post-1945): Following the Second World War, immigrants primarily from Asia and Africa arrived in the UK seeking work and better living opportunities
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Second wave (post-EU expansion): The addition of various European countries to the European Union created new opportunities for people to travel, live and work across EU member states, leading to increased migration from European countries
Each wave of migration was driven by different global circumstances - the first by post-war reconstruction needs and decolonisation, the second by European economic integration and the principle of free movement within the EU.
Current ethnic composition
The 2015 census data reveals the UK's ethnic diversity resulting from historical migration patterns:
| Ethnic Group | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|
| White | 86.0% |
| Asian/Asian British | 7.5% |
| Black/African/Caribbean/Black British | 3.3% |
| Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups | 2.2% |
| Other ethnic group | 1.0% |
This composition demonstrates how migration has contributed to the UK's multicultural society. The data shows that while the majority of the population remains White, 14% of the UK population comes from ethnic minority backgrounds, reflecting the significant impact of migration over recent decades.
Push and pull factors
Understanding why people migrate involves examining the factors that either encourage people to leave their home country or attract them to a new destination.
Migration decisions are rarely based on single factors. People typically experience a combination of push and pull factors that work together to influence their decision to move to a new country.
Push factors are negative conditions that encourage people to leave their home country:
- War and conflict
- Unemployment and lack of job opportunities
- Poor education and healthcare systems
- Political or economic instability
Pull factors are positive attractions that draw people to a new country:
- Strong education and healthcare systems
- Political and economic stability
- Employment opportunities
- Favourable climate
- Higher standard of living
These factors often work together, with people being pushed away from difficult circumstances while simultaneously being pulled towards better opportunities.
Impact on birth rates and demographics
Migration has had a substantial impact on UK birth patterns and population growth. Research from 2012 revealed that immigrant women tend to have higher fertility rates than women born in the UK.
Key Demographic Data from 2011:
- Approximately 200,000 births to immigrant mothers occurred in Britain
- Around 40% of these births took place in London
- Children of immigrant mothers represented nearly a quarter of all babies born in Britain
- The number of babies born to migrant mothers more than doubled since the 1990s
The highest numbers of foreign-born mothers originated from countries including Poland, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nigeria. This demographic shift has important implications for planning public services such as maternity care and education provision.
Contemporary implications of globalisation
Modern migration patterns are closely linked to globalisation - the increasing interconnectedness of the world's economies and societies. This has several effects on family life:
- Families have become smaller and more geographically mobile, making it easier to relocate for work opportunities
- Transnational companies now operate across continents, creating more opportunities for international movement
- Improved communication and transport links allow families to maintain relationships across greater distances
- The rise of multicultural families has led to greater diversity in family structures, roles and relationships throughout the UK
These changes reflect how migration is not just about individual movement, but represents broader social and economic transformations affecting family life in contemporary Britain.
Key Points to Remember:
- Migration has occurred in two major post-war waves, first from Asia and Africa, then from European EU countries
- Push factors drive people away from their home countries, while pull factors attract them to new destinations
- Immigrant women typically have higher fertility rates than UK-born women, affecting population growth
- Globalisation has made families more mobile and created more diverse family structures in the UK
- Understanding migration patterns is essential for planning public services and recognising demographic changes