Intervening Obstacle

Definition

An intervening obstacle refers to any feature or factor that hinders or prevents the movement of individuals from one location to another. This concept plays a crucial role in understanding migration patterns and the decision-making processes of migrants, as it highlights the challenges they face while trying to relocate, including physical barriers, economic constraints, political restrictions, and social conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intervening obstacles can be natural, such as mountains, oceans, or weather conditions that complicate travel.
2. Economic factors can serve as intervening obstacles when migrants cannot afford the costs associated with moving or settling in a new area.
3. Political barriers, like visa restrictions and immigration laws, can significantly impact the ability of individuals to migrate to their desired destinations.
4. Social obstacles may include cultural differences or discrimination that discourage individuals from moving to certain areas.
5. The presence of intervening obstacles often results in people choosing closer destinations rather than more distant ones due to the increased risks and costs involved.

Review Questions

• How do intervening obstacles influence the decision-making process of potential migrants?
  • Intervening obstacles significantly affect potential migrants by creating barriers that can deter them from pursuing their initial migration plans. For instance, if faced with high travel costs or dangerous routes due to natural obstacles, individuals may reconsider their options. These obstacles often lead migrants to choose closer destinations or even abandon their plans altogether, demonstrating the critical role these challenges play in shaping migration decisions.
• Discuss how different types of intervening obstacles can affect migration patterns in various regions.
  • Different types of intervening obstacles can lead to distinct migration patterns based on regional characteristics. For example, mountainous terrains may limit movement in certain areas, while political barriers could restrict migration between countries. In regions facing severe economic instability, financial constraints may force potential migrants to remain close to home. Thus, understanding the interplay between these obstacles and regional contexts helps explain why certain areas experience higher or lower migration rates.
• Evaluate the impact of intervening obstacles on global migration trends and policies.
  • Intervening obstacles have a profound impact on global migration trends and policies by influencing how countries respond to migrant flows. For example, countries with strict immigration laws may create barriers that not only limit legal migration but also contribute to an increase in undocumented crossings. Furthermore, recognizing the various types of obstacles migrants face can inform policy decisions aimed at facilitating safer and more accessible migration pathways. As global dynamics shift due to economic changes and conflicts, understanding these intervening obstacles becomes essential for policymakers looking to address the complexities of migration.

Related terms

Push Factors:

Conditions that drive people away from their current location, such as war, poverty, or lack of jobs.

Pull Factors:

Attractions that draw individuals to a new area, like better job opportunities, family ties, or improved living conditions.

Migration Transition Model: A theory that outlines how migration patterns change as a country develops economically, shifting from high levels of emigration to increased immigration.