Push factors “push” people away from their home and include things like war. Pull factors “pull” people to a new home and include things like better opportunities. The reasons people migrate are usually economic, political, cultural, or environmental.
Causes of migration
Push factors occur where someone is currently living and make continuing to live there less attractive. A push factor could be political unrest, a lack of job opportunities, or overcrowding. Pull factors occur in a potential destination and make it an attractive place to migrate to.
Push factors may include conflict, drought, famine, or extreme religious activity. Poor economic activity and lack of job opportunities are also strong push factors for migration.
Natural disasters, political revolutions, civil war, and economic stagnation are all reasons why people might want to migrate away from a certain area. Job placement, however, is an example of a “pull factor,” something that makes an individual want to migrate to a certain area.