Edexcel A-Level Geography
Topic 8
Migration, Identity and
Sovereignty
Case Studies
, Edexcel A-Level Geography
Case Studies: Topic 8
Case study – Rural-urban migration in China
Specification Link: 8B.1a
Rapid industrialisation of china began in the 1980’s when their open-door
policy was introduced allowing foreign investment. It is estimated that 200
million rural migrants are currently working in China’s cities with 20
million people arriving each year. Many are low-skilled and find work in
construction – there is an estimated 40 million construction workers in
china. In the next 30 years there could be up to 400 million people move
to China’s cities
Case study – EU Schengen agreement
Specification Link: 8B.1a
The agreement came into place in 1995 and ended border check between
countries, allowing free movement. Some criticised the agreement for
allowing migrants from outside the EU to travel to high labour demand
countries such as Germany. When 1 million Syrian refugees entered
through Hungary in 2015 border check were temporarily introduced.
Case study – International migration in Japan
Specification Link: 8B.1b
Japan has an ageing and shrinking population a growth rate of -0.21% in
2017. Experts have calculated that Japan requires 200,000 migrants per
year to maintain their economy and living standards and a fertility rate
above replacement. However, many Japanese people are against
migration, and they believe it would interrupt their homogenous culture
and increase crime. The percentage of foreign-born people is very low
compared to other developed countries 1.8% in 2016. When babies are
born to foreign born parents, they do not automatically become Japanese
citizens. After the 2008 financial crisis, Japan offered money to foreign
born residents to leave.
Case study: Causes of the European migration crisis
Specification Link: 8B.2a
1. Conflict in Syria – a combination of the Syrian civil war and the
actions of ISIS have led to 11 million people leaving their homes in
Syria
2. Other conflicts – conflicts in many African countries such as Libya
and South Sudan have added to migrant numbers
3. Restrictive immigration policies – many Syrian refugees originally
went to Turkey which has very strict immigration policies, 2 million
went to refugee camps but the others had to work illegally, often in
dangerous conditions
4. EU opportunities – refugees in Turkey often tried to get into the EU
because there are more opportunities
Topic 8
Migration, Identity and
Sovereignty
Case Studies
, Edexcel A-Level Geography
Case Studies: Topic 8
Case study – Rural-urban migration in China
Specification Link: 8B.1a
Rapid industrialisation of china began in the 1980’s when their open-door
policy was introduced allowing foreign investment. It is estimated that 200
million rural migrants are currently working in China’s cities with 20
million people arriving each year. Many are low-skilled and find work in
construction – there is an estimated 40 million construction workers in
china. In the next 30 years there could be up to 400 million people move
to China’s cities
Case study – EU Schengen agreement
Specification Link: 8B.1a
The agreement came into place in 1995 and ended border check between
countries, allowing free movement. Some criticised the agreement for
allowing migrants from outside the EU to travel to high labour demand
countries such as Germany. When 1 million Syrian refugees entered
through Hungary in 2015 border check were temporarily introduced.
Case study – International migration in Japan
Specification Link: 8B.1b
Japan has an ageing and shrinking population a growth rate of -0.21% in
2017. Experts have calculated that Japan requires 200,000 migrants per
year to maintain their economy and living standards and a fertility rate
above replacement. However, many Japanese people are against
migration, and they believe it would interrupt their homogenous culture
and increase crime. The percentage of foreign-born people is very low
compared to other developed countries 1.8% in 2016. When babies are
born to foreign born parents, they do not automatically become Japanese
citizens. After the 2008 financial crisis, Japan offered money to foreign
born residents to leave.
Case study: Causes of the European migration crisis
Specification Link: 8B.2a
1. Conflict in Syria – a combination of the Syrian civil war and the
actions of ISIS have led to 11 million people leaving their homes in
Syria
2. Other conflicts – conflicts in many African countries such as Libya
and South Sudan have added to migrant numbers
3. Restrictive immigration policies – many Syrian refugees originally
went to Turkey which has very strict immigration policies, 2 million
went to refugee camps but the others had to work illegally, often in
dangerous conditions
4. EU opportunities – refugees in Turkey often tried to get into the EU
because there are more opportunities
