Sociology – Paper 4 – Globalisation: Contemporary issues | e-Consult
Paper 4 – Globalisation: Contemporary issues (1 questions)
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Globalisation has reshaped migration in several inter‑related ways:
- Economic integration: Liberalised trade and investment create labour shortages in some regions and surplus labour in others, intensifying push‑pull dynamics.
- Technological advances: Faster communication and cheaper transport lower the costs of moving and maintaining transnational ties, encouraging both temporary and permanent migration.
- Policy convergence: International agreements (e.g., EU freedom of movement) and the diffusion of migration regimes standardise entry procedures, facilitating certain flows while restricting others.
- Cultural diffusion: Global media and diaspora networks promote awareness of opportunities abroad, increasing aspirations to migrate.
- Unequal benefits: While some migrants gain higher wages and skills, others face precarious employment and exploitation, highlighting that globalisation does not uniformly improve migrant outcomes.
Overall, globalisation amplifies the scale and speed of migration, but its effects are mediated by economic structures, state policies and the capacity of migrants to capitalise on new opportunities.