WG.15 a - Factors that Influence Human Migration and Cultural Diffusion

The student will apply social science skills to analyze past and present trends in human migration and cultural diffusion by 

a) determining how human migration and cultural diffusion are influenced by social, economic, political, and environmental factors;

(moved from WG.6)

Themes: Migration & Diffusion

Why do humans move?

What are the side effects of human migration?

Human beings are members of social groups with shared and unique sets of behaviors and attitudes

Language and religion are two very important aspects of culture

Migrations occur because of social, economic, political, and environmental factors. 

Migrations have influenced cultural landscapes. 

Modern transportation and communication encourage higher levels of cultural interaction worldwide.

Push factors 

• Overpopulation 
• Religious persecution 
• Lack of job opportunities 
• Agricultural decline 
• Conflict 
• Political persecution 
• Natural hazards (e.g., droughts, floods, famines, volcanic eruptions) 
• Limits on personal freedom 
• Environmental degradation 
  

Pull factors 

• Religious freedom and/or religious unity 
• Economic opportunity 
• Land availability 
• Political freedom and stability 
• Ethnic and family ties 
• Arable land 
  

Impact of migrations on regions

•  Language 
• Religion and religious freedom 
• Customs and traditions 
• Cultural landscape