Learn about the “Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration”, explaining migration patterns, step migration, urban pull, and economic migration patterns.
I’ve always been fascinated by migration. I’ve migrated myself between cities and even nations, and I’ve always wondered—why do people migrate? What are the migration patterns? It so happens that migration is anything but random. In the early twentieth century, a smart geographer by the name of Ernst Georg Ravenstein came up with some general principles that migration appears to follow.
These laws, known as the Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration, were first introduced in 1885 and 1889 and, incredibly, are still valid to this day. Whether you’re an enthusiast for geography, a geography student, or someone who’s interested in learning about human migration, buckle up—because we’re going to be learning about these laws of migration in simple terms, in an engaging manner, and even make it somewhat personal.
Table of Contents
What Are Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration?
Let’s start with the basics. What are the Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration? Simply put, they are the observations by the German-British geographer, E.G. Ravenstein, regarding the migration pattern in the British Isles during the 19th century.
Even though he studied migration in the last century, the vast majority of his migration laws are applicable even today. Let’s consider them one by one.
1. Migration is Primarily Short-Distance
One of the first things that Ravenstein noticed was that the majority of people who migrate don’t go very far. Instead of taking everything and moving thousands of miles, people migrate short distances.
When people migrate, they generally migrate to the next town or city, and not to another state. It’s because shorter moves are less risky, less costly, and easier to organize.
Personal Experience: When I first moved for college, I chose to go to a city only hours away from home. It was like having the new beginning I wanted but with family nearby. That is exactly what Ravenstein was talking about!
2. Migration Occurs in Stages (Step Migration)
Migration does not generally come about in one giant step—it comes about in increments. It is called step migration.
For example, if one is residing in a small town and wants to migrate to a big city like New York or London, they would first migrate to the nearest town, the next city, and finally to the destination city.
Most immigrants migrate to the neighboring country first. A rural Indian family, for example, will migrate first to a small city like Jaipur and then to the final destination, which is typically Mumbai.
This step-by-step procedure simplifies migration and makes it less intimidating.
3. Long-Distance Migrants Will Most Likely Migrate to Cities
When people migrate for long distances, they generally select big cities. Why? Big cities offer more employment opportunities, education, and medical facilities.
For example, let’s talk about migration to the United States—most international migrants migrate to cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, and not to small towns. That is because the cities have more economic opportunities and established immigrant communities.
Even back in the 19th century, when Ravenstein was studying migration, people who lived in rural areas were migrating to industrial cities for more work. And guess what? It’s still going on to this day!
4. Every Migration Flow Produces a Counter-Flow
This is really interesting. Ravenstein found that whenever people move to another place, migration away from the destination also occurs.
Example:
This is referred to as counter-migration, and it balances population movement.
5. Rural Inhabitants Are More Likely to Migrate Than City Dwellers
People who live in rural areas are more likely to pack up and move to the cities than people who are already in the cities. It’s only logical: cities have more work, infrastructure, and stability.
For example, if you live in a city like New York or London, you most likely don’t need to migrate. But if you are in a small town with poor prospects, migration is the logical choice.
In most developing nations these days, we continue to experience mass migration to the cities from rural villages in the quest for better lives.
6. Women Are More Migratory Than Men in the Country
This will be news to you, but more women migrate than men—at least at the national level.
It was observed during the 19th century by Ravenstein that short-distance relocations were more frequent for women, often for marriage, household work, or family.
Contemporary Reality: Women migrate now for the same reasons, yet also for education and career growth. Women’s migration in most countries is increasing with more and more women seeking university education and professional careers.
7. Migration is Mainly Due to Economic Reasons
If you were to ask someone why they moved, the most common response is employment or money.
Whether it’s an employee who relocates to the United States from Mexico to make more money or an information technology professional who relocates to Silicon Valley from India, economic incentives are the driving force behind the vast majority of migration.
Even in the time of Ravenstein, people migrated to industrial cities because factories provided them with stability and higher pay.
8. Absorption and Dispersion of Migrants
Ravenstein also explained two fascinating processes:
Look at the manner in which cities like Los Angeles grew. People migrated in from all parts, and the suburbs and the small cities around them adapted to accommodate the population growth.
Are the Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration Relevant Today?
Although the laws were created by Ravenstein during the 1880s, they remain able to explain contemporary migration patterns.
What Has Changed?
✔ Technology & Transport: It is easier and less expensive to travel long distances.
✔ Globalisation: There is greater international migration than ever.
✔ Women’s Role: Women migrate more for work and education, and no longer simply for family.
While some laws, like short-distance migration, still hold true, others have evolved with time. But Ravenstein’s work laid the foundation for modern migration studies.
FAQs
1. What are the Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration?
Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration are principles laid by E.G. Ravenstein in the late 19th century on the basis of migration in Britain. They define common patterns such as short-distance migration, step migration, city pull for long-distance migrants, and economic motives for migration.
2. Are the Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration still valid even today?
Yes, the major observations by Ravenstein remain true, particularly short-distance migration, pull by cities, and economic motives for migration. However, globalization, technology, and global migration have increased the complexity in migration patterns.
3. What is step migration to Ravenstein?
Step migration is the process by which the migration is in stages, in contrast to direct long-distance migration. For example, the person who resides in the rural areas can migrate first to the nearest town, then to the big city, and ultimately to the metropolitan center of the big city.
4. How did Ravenstein define counter-migration?
Ravenstein established that every migration flow generates a counter-flow, i.e., when people move into an area, others move away. For example, when youths move to towns for work, some elderly people move to more tranquil rural areas or suburbs.
Final Thoughts: Why Migration Matters
Migration is such a human act. Whether you’re moving for work, for school, or to start anew, you’re following patterns that have endured for centuries.
I’ve migrated myself—from my hometown to the big city, and ultimately to another country. Every migration was an adventure, with its problems and possibilities. Reading about the Laws of Migration by Ravenstein, I could not help but identify with his findings.
So the next time you say the word migration, remember—it’s not merely about moving. It’s about dreams, struggles, and hope.
Additional Resources
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