1. Who was E.G. Ravenstein?
A geographer by trade, most of Ravenstein’s published works on migration came after his retirement in He spent his career in the Topographical and Statistical Department of the War Office of England after moving there from Germany in While in their employ he produced numerous publications and maps primarily dealing with Africa. His migration research, especially his two papers on the “laws of migration” were very influential on later work dealing with the structure and process of migration. Although his work focused on current migrations and he was not an archaeologist; Ravenstein had a major impact on migration studies across many disciplines.

2. What do Ravenstein’s Laws have to do with migration?
Ravenstein’s laws can be divided into three groups.
A. The reasons why migrants move.
B. The distance they typically move.
C. Their characteristics.

3. 1. Most people migrate for economic reasons.
The US and Canada have been especially prominent destinations for economic migrants. Many European migrants to North America in the 19th century, truly expected to find streets paved with gold. While not literally so gilded, the US and Canada did offer European prospects for economic advancement.
Page 81

4. 2. Cultural and environmental factors induce migration (not as much as econ.)
Cultural ex - Puerto Ricans moving to NYC from Puerto Rico.
Puritans moving to colonies where there were already Puritans.
Environmental Ex - Proximity to the Rocky Mountains lures Americans to the state of Colorado, and the Alps pull French people to eastern France.
Page 82

5. 2. Cultural and environmental factors induce migration too (not as much as econ.)
In 2010 the population of New Orleans is almost HALF the size it was before Katrina.

6. 3. Each migration flow produces a counterflow.
People moving out of Denver into the suburbs.

7. 4. Most migrants relocate a short distance within the same country.
Going in-state to college rather than out of state.

8. DISTANCE DECAY Why is this the case???
The effects of distance on interaction, generally the greater the distance the less the interaction.

9. DISTANCE DECAY Why is this the case???
The effects of distance on interaction, generally the greater the distance the less the interaction.

10. 5. Long distance migrants head for major centers of economic activity.
Mexican immigration to El Paso.

11. 6. Most long-distance migrants are male.

12. 6. Most long-distance migrants are male.

13. 7. HOWEVER, today more women migrate than men.
This was true for most of the 20th century, the pattern reversed in the 1990s. Mexican Women constitute 55% of US immigrants. Page 85

14. 8. Most long distance migrants are adult individuals… not families w/ children.

15. 8. Most long distance migrants are adult individuals… not families w/ children.