IDENTITY

• Movement of labour


  Unrestricted within many nation-states to ensure efficient allocation of resources (regional movements in the UK) and the same logic applies for some global regions (EU) but does not yet apply at a global level
• Since 1995, the number of overseas-born living in the UK has increased across the whole country. This was mainly due to the UK's EU membership
• EU membership started to grow after 1995 when the Schengen agreement allowed the passport-free movement of EU citizens. The UK did not join the Schengen agreement, however, the EU allowed free movement of citizens across the EU
• Some migrants were refugees. A lot of the migrants who came to the UK came for economic purposes- to work and to study. They helped fill gaps in the UK labour market by working in construction, business and management, hospitality and catering
• Polish migration into the UK

  More Polish long-term migrants came into the UK in 2005 than citizens of any other country. 49,000 migrated into the UK in 2005, almost three times in 2004. A8 in the EU had high levels of unemployment and lower living standards so migrated to more financially successful nations
• Polish migrants


  • Around 80 per cent of recent migrants to the UK are 18-24. The age distribution of recent Polish is noticeably younger. London is still the most popular destination for Polish migrants. The Polish is relatively highly educated. Many filled labourers jobs which UK citizens did not fill – it became known as the 'Polish builder' or 'Polish plumber'
• There are also skilled and unskilled workers migrating to the UK in search of a better life because they come from the poorest parts of Poland
• In Poland, they have a high unemployment rate, even the Polish people with high levels of education were facing high levels of unemployment so that's why they migrated to the UK
• The UK's unemployment rate is only 5.1%, and the country is experiencing significant skill shortages as well as a high demand for semi-skilled and unskilled labour. In Poland, annual GDP per head in 2006 was around $12,700, compared to $30,900 in the UK
• Benefits of migration


  £2.54bn is contributed to the economy annually by eastern European immigrants in the UK. Migrants have contributed 0.5 to 1% of the UK's economic growth in 2005 and 2006. 80% of new migrants are working people between the ages of 18 and 35. The new migrants are stereotypically hard-working, enthusiastic, skilled and flexible
• Regional movements within the UK

  One's region's net gain in migration means a net loss somewhere else. This regional movement of people is unrestricted and is often linked to the changing labour market
• Reasons for regional movement within the UK

  • Deindustrialisation in Northern Britain (e.g. textile) has driven many workers south in search of employment
  • The regeneration of large cities like Manchester has led to the in-migration of younger people for work, as well as the urban lifestyle. In contrast, many older adults with families move from cities to rural areas
• Consequences of migration


  High inward migration can lead to rising house prices, overcrowded schools strained healthcare provision and failing local wages (migrants are willing to work for less). A mass migration from source areas can leave an ageing population and skill shortages
• Globally movements of labour are restricted but that doesn't stop migration, Usually when there is poverty, war and religious repression so they are going to countries like the USA
• Issues such as language barriers, cultural differences, and difficulties accessing education and employment opportunities can lead to social segregation and resentment from both immigrants and native populations
• Migration changes the cultural and ethnic composition of nation-states but the rate of assimilation of migrants varies from nation to nation especially when there are distinctive ethnic differences
• Factors affecting the rate of assimilation of migrants

  • Language
  • Migrants who share cultural similarities with the host population or who have prior exposure to the culture may adapt more quickly
  • Migrants who can secure employment that matches their skills and qualifications may experience assimilation, as it provides opportunities for interaction with locals and a sense of belonging
  • Policies that promote inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities can facilitate integration, while restrictive policies may hinder it
• Because of international migration cities throughout the world are becoming more diverse. It's not just streets and shop fronts that change, migration can change the cultural and ethnic composition of whole countries. The degree of change depends on the rate and level of assimilation
• The extent to which migrant groups are assimilated or remain segregated varies within and between countries. In South Africa, residential areas in both urban and rural locations usually remain differentiated by ethnicity and skin colour
• Ethnic enclaves


  • Cheaper rental properties in inner cities have traditionally attracted migrants to settle close to their workplaces. Over ethnic enclaves become permanent, such as the Hindu and Sikh communities in Southall
  • West Indian immigrants were recruited to drive London buses so many of them settled near London transport bus garages such as Brixton. Many of their descendants still live in the same areas
• Once established, cultural factors, such as the growth of specialist shops, places of worship and community leisure facilities help to maintain these separate ethnic enclaves. Gradually, many ethnic communities have integrated into British economic life while at the same time retaining their cultural distinctiveness
• Migration causes political tensions


  Differences in perceptions of the social, economic, cultural and demographic impacts
• Mexico-US border


  • There were flows of legal and illegal migrants into the USA to Californian farms as pickers because of economic devastation in Mexico. There were over 11.7 million Mexican immigrants in the USA. Some Americans believe migrants helped the USA through their hard work and others felt like they were an issue taking jobs and services. Mexico was affected by the immigration out of Mexico as their culture started to disappear from people who left Mexico
• Political tension between EU states

  • Disagreements over burden-sharing, border control, and the handling of asylum seekers have strained relations between EU countries, leading to political deadlock and tensions within the EU
  • Some EU countries, particularly those geographically located on the external borders of the EU, have experienced a disproportionate influx of migrants compared to others. This imbalance has led to tensions as countries receiving large numbers of migrants often feel overwhelmed and demand more support from other EU members, while those with fewer arrivals may resist accepting a fair share of responsibility
  • Some may fear that migration will erode national or local cultural identities, while others may celebrate the enrichment of cultural diversity. Cultural clashes or misunderstandings can exacerbate political tensions as there will be differences in what should be done about migration in the EU
• Ability and opportunities


  Sometimes it's easier for one person to migrate to another country than another person because it can be dependent on a person's skills. Higher-income individuals generally have more financial resources to cover the costs associated with migration. Higher-income individuals may have better prospects for employment in destination countries, as they may possess skills and qualifications that are in demand. This can make it easier for them to secure job offers or work permits, which are often essential for legal migration. The presence or absence of international border controls, such as the EU law allowing migrants to move freely between EU states, and the presence of established and settled family members in the destination country, can also affect migration opportunities
• Sovereignty


  The ability of a country to govern itself independently, make its laws and control its affairs without being subject to outside control. The UK is an example of a sovereign state. Taiwan is not because it's controlled by China
• State


  A territory that no other country has power or sovereignty over
• National state


  A country where people share a common identity, culture, language, and government within a specific geographical area and it brings a sense of identity. A nation refers to a group of people who lack sovereignty
• National sovereign states vary greatly in their ethnic, cultural and linguistic unity (to a situation where people in a particular group or region speak the same language). Nation states develop and change over time and vary with geographical location, historical events and population migrations
• Linguistic unity


  A state or condition in which a population shares a common language or languages, facilitating communication and understanding among its members
• Iceland

  • Its national characteristics result from its geographical location, landscape and dependence on the sea and isolation. Most of Iceland is empty and unsettled. Over half the population live in or close to the capital. The population is monocultural (one dominant group) where those born overseas consisting only 8.9% of the population as of 2015. Iceland has a relatively small population, with just over 360,000 people as of 2022. This small population size means that there is less cultural diversity compared to larger countries with more diverse populations. Iceland is 100 kilometres away from its nearest neighbour Greenland. Icelanders share common cultural values and norms
• Singapore


  • Singapore's growth was largely due to immigration particularly from China but also from India and Malaysia. its strategic location as a major trading port has attracted immigrants from various parts of the world for centuries. This linguistic diversity reflects the country's multicultural nature and is evident in daily interactions, education, and media. Singapore is divided into distinct ethnic areas - European town for Europe and wealthy Asians, Chinatown for the Chinese majority, Chulia Kampon for Indian Hindus and Sikhs, and Kampong Glam for Muslim Malays and Arabs. Each group brings its traditions, languages, religions, and cultural practices to the country. 74% are Chinese, 13% Malay, 9% Indian. The small country possesses a vibrant mix of languages, cultures religions, festivals and food. The Singaporean government has implemented policies aimed at promoting racial and religious harmony while preserving the cultural identities of different ethnic groups. Singapore is home to a variety of religious beliefs This has led to Singapore having cultural homogeneity
• National borders


  A demarcation line separating the territory of one country from that of another. National borders show us where one country ends and another country begins on a map. Borders separate Nations and are even natural have emerged historically over time or are the result of colonial history or political intervention
• Types of national borders

  • Natural borders - physical features that once created natural obstacles such as rivers or mountains
  • Colonial history and political intervention - Colonisers went to different countries and took over their land and then borders were put in place to show where the land ended. European colonial rule in Africa divided the continent among European powers. During the colonial era, European powers often imposed their own borders on colonized territories, disregarding cultural, ethnic and geographical boundaries. These decisions were based on economic interests and resources. Some used military force to establish control over territories
• Contested borders


  A border between two or more countries or territories that is subject to conflict. They may argue over who owns land or water and where the line should be drawn. This could be due to historical or political factors. Nations often view their borders as extensions of their sovereignty and national identity. When these borders are disputed, it can lead to a political response from both the government and the public. This sense of national pride and the need to defend territory can escalate tensions and lead to conflict
• Ukraine/Crimea


  • Ukraine and Russia used to be part of the same country called the Soviet Union. But when the Soviet Union broke apart, they became separate countries. When Russia took control of Ukraine, Ukraine and many countries see this as Russia taking land that isn't theirs. So there is conflict on who should have control over Crimea. Putin has said he sees NATO's expansion as a threat and Ukraine joining the Western military alliance as a hostile act. He says he feels like Ukraine is part of Russia, culturally, linguistically and politically. While some of the mostly Russian-speaking population in Ukraine's east feel the same, a more nationalist Ukraine-speaking population in the West has historically supported greater integration with Europe
• Taiwan has been an independent state since 1950 but China still claims it
• Taiwan


  Taiwan has been an independent state since 1950 but China still claims sovereignty over it. China sees that Taiwan will eventually be a part of the country again but many people in Taiwan want a separate nation. China insists that other nations should not have official formal relations with both China and Taiwan, so Taiwan has few former ties with other countries. Despite its isolation, Taiwan is one of Asia's economic success stories and is a top producer of computer technology. The female President (2016) recognizes the importance of Taiwanese identity but by pursuing its sovereignty and formal independence she risks antagonising China. The Republic of China (Taiwan's government) and the people of the Republic of China (China's government) have different views, with a large part of the population in Taiwan considering themselves to be Taiwanese and not Chinese. The Taiwan government won't agree to 'One country, two systems'. If Taiwan votes for independence, China will attack with its military. Only 12 countries officially recognise Taiwan. China wants Taiwan to reinforce its dominance as a global superpower and is pushing nationalism. Taiwan's geography will allow China to extend its military and intimidate regions within the region. If China controlled Taiwan it could then control Asia's major shipping routes.
• Nationalism


  The belief that a group of people with a shared identity, culture, or history should have their nation or more prominence within a nation. The belief that they share a common identity language history and Customs that bind them together. They tend to promote their country and are prepared to defend it even to extend its boundaries.
• Nationalism was important in the development of Empires. Between 1500 and 1900 many European powers had built global Empires. The British Empire was the largest and Britain controlled a third of the world's land surface and over a quarter of the world's population. British culture spread across through local governance and education controlled by the UK. But after World War I the Empire's collapsed because of the high cost of War.