RavensteinRavenstein’’s s LawsLaws

Ernst George (E.G.) RavensteinErnst George (E.G.) Ravenstein

• German/American

• Geographer AND Cartographer

• Established migration “laws” in the 1880s

Ernst George (E.G.) RavensteinErnst George (E.G.) Ravenstein

• These laws form the basis for contemporary migration study!

DON’T GET CONFUSED!!!

• Ravenstein – migration laws

Rubenstein – textbook author

1. Most people migrate for economic reasons.

2. Cultural and environmental factors induce migration (not as much as econ.)

2. Cultural and environmental factors induce migration too (not as much as econ.)

In 2010 the population of New Orleans was In 2010 the population of New Orleans was almost HALF the size it was before Katrina.almost HALF the size it was before Katrina.

3. Each migration flow produces a counterflow.

4. Most migrants relocate a short distance within the same country.

Why is this the case???

DISTANCE DECAY

5. Long distance migrants head for major centers of economic activity.

6. Most long-distance migrants are male.

7. HOWEVER, today more women migrate than men.

8. Most long distance migrants are adult individuals… not families w/ children.