Final answer:
Rural-urban migration is affected by commuting costs and job availability; higher costs and fewer jobs typically decrease migration, while lower costs and more jobs encourage it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effect of changes in commuting cost per mile (T) and the number of available urban jobs (J) on rural-urban migration can be examined through basic economic principles of cost-benefit analysis. Let's analyze the options provided:
- a) Higher T (transportation or commuting costs) and lower J (fewer job opportunities) would likely lead to decreased rural-urban migration because the costs of commuting would outweigh the benefits of fewer available jobs in the urban areas.
- b) Lower T and higher J would likely lead to increased rural-urban migration. The decrease in commuting costs and increase in job opportunities make moving to urban areas more appealing.
- c) Higher T and higher J might still lead to increased migration if the increase in available jobs outweighs the negative effect of higher commuting costs.
- d) Lower T and lower J provide a less clear picture, but if job opportunities drop significantly, lower transportation costs alone may not be enough to encourage migration.
Rural-to-urban migration patterns are influenced by the search for better life opportunities in urban areas, a process that is often undermined by high commuting costs and limited job availability.