Historical Patterns of International and Internal Migration

International and Internal Migration Trends (19th Century to 1975 Crisis)

These migrations took place between the last third of the nineteenth century and the crisis of 1975. They were characterized by:

• The primary motivation was work.
• Flows were unidirectional.
• The profile consisted mainly of low-skilled youth.

Internal Migration Rates

Internal migration rates were often seasonal and temporary. They were significant between the last third of the nineteenth century and the 1960s, often having the intention to return.

Rural Migration (1900–1975)

During this period, migration had a definitive character, and the main motivation was securing better jobs and higher incomes. It passed through four stages:

1. In the first third of the nineteenth century, the rural exodus was moderate.
2. During the Civil War and postwar period, the rural exodus was paralyzed.
3. Between 1950 and 1975, rural migration reached its highest levels.
4. Since 1975, the rural exodus has declined.

Currently, the rural exodus is very low.

Consequences of Early Migration

• Demographic Imbalance: Occurred in the distribution of the population.
• Economic Issues: Raising resources in the cities caused significant social problems.
• Environmental Impact: Migrant areas were often abandoned.

Intra-Urban and Contemporary Migration (Post-1957 Crisis)

Migrations occurring after the 1957 crisis are characterized by:

• Motivations are more diverse.
• Flows are multidirectional.
• The profile is varied (youth, seniors, skilled, unskilled).

Types of Contemporary Migration

• Labor Migration Rates: The reason is work for adults and young people. Migration to other provinces and regions has decreased, leading to different migration balances. Migration within the same region and province has grown, and intermunicipal movements have changed. The role of foreigners in these migrations is very important.
• Residential Migration: Performed by young people and middle-class families in search of a cheaper and higher quality of life.
• Return Migration: In which the population re-emigrates to previous areas.
• Habitual Movements: Due to work and leisure.

Consequences of Recent Migration

• Increasing labor migration causes imbalances.
• Return migration leads to superannuation (aging population) in areas with many retirees.
• Circulatory movements cause problems and an increase in income in receiving areas.
• Intra-urban migration causes superannuation in central urban residential areas and increased population in the periphery.