3.3 How has globalisation affected inequalities between societies?

Migrants are people who move from one country to another to settle permanently or for an extended period. People who travel temporarily (e.g., for holidays) and intend to return home are not considered migrants.

• Emigration: When people leave their original country and settle somewhere else
• Immigration: Arriving and settling in a new country
• Internal migration: Moving within a country (e.g., from countryside to city)

Internal migration is easier than international migration because it does not involve crossing international borders or dealing with immigration policies.

Human migration has always existed. Early in human history, groups moved out of Africa (where humans originated) and spread around the world.

The main pattern was from Europe to other parts of the world:

• Europeans settled in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, parts of Africa and Asia
• This occurred mainly as part of colonialism
• In many places, indigenous people were killed by violence or diseases brought by Europeans
• Significant forced migration of Africans as slaves occurred

Migration patterns shifted to from former colonies to Europe and North America:

• Reasons: Persecution and poverty in former colonies, higher standards of living in developed countries
• Example: In 1948, the HMT Empire Windrush brought immigrants from Jamaica to London

Developed countries have immigration policies that:

• Define which types of people they will accept
• Favour people from some countries over others
• Example: It has become very difficult for people from African countries to migrate to Europe

Consequences:

• Many people try to migrate by unofficial routes, often putting themselves in danger
• People from developed countries can migrate by official routes and find it easier to obtain visas

The most common migrants are:

• Unmarried male adults
• Easier for single males to travel (more restrictions and risks for women)

• Many men are the first person in their family to migrate
• If successful in finding work and housing, they bring family members later
• In countries like the Philippines, married women with children often emigrate alone
  • Send money home to support family
  • Children looked after by grandparents

Migrants often move to areas where people from their home country are already settled to receive support and advice from this community.