Lee's model

Definition

Lee's model, also known as Lee's Migration Model, illustrates the factors influencing migration patterns by categorizing them into push and pull factors. This model emphasizes that individuals weigh the advantages and disadvantages of leaving their home country versus moving to a new one, highlighting the complex decision-making process involved in migration. By analyzing these factors, Lee's model helps to understand the motivations behind migration and how various social, economic, and political conditions impact these decisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lee's model was developed in the 1960s by sociologist Everett S. Lee to explain migration patterns more comprehensively.
2. The model highlights that migration is not solely based on the desire to leave a place but also on the appealing aspects of the destination.
3. Lee's model categorizes factors into three groups: factors associated with the area of origin, factors associated with the destination area, and intervening obstacles that might affect the decision to migrate.
4. Intervening obstacles can include legal restrictions, financial constraints, or social networks that may hinder or facilitate migration.
5. The application of Lee's model can vary across different regions and populations, as cultural and social contexts influence the specific push and pull factors at play.

Review Questions

• How does Lee's model help us understand the decision-making process of migrants?
  • Lee's model offers insight into how migrants weigh push and pull factors before making their decision. By categorizing these factors into those associated with their origin and destination, it shows that individuals consider both negative aspects of their home country and positive aspects of potential new locations. This balanced approach helps clarify why some people choose to migrate while others may decide to stay put despite challenging circumstances.
• Evaluate the significance of intervening obstacles in Lee's model and provide examples of how they might impact migration.
  • Intervening obstacles play a crucial role in shaping migration patterns according to Lee's model. These obstacles can include legal barriers like immigration policies, financial constraints such as costs associated with relocation, or social networks that either support or discourage moving. For instance, a migrant may have a strong pull factor toward a new country due to job opportunities but may ultimately decide against moving if they face significant legal restrictions or lack financial resources.
• Analyze how Lee's model can be applied to contemporary global migration trends and what implications this has for policymakers.
  • Applying Lee's model to current global migration trends reveals how push factors like war or economic instability in countries can lead to significant outflows of people seeking better opportunities elsewhere. Understanding the pull factors that attract these migrants—such as job availability or safety—allows policymakers to develop targeted strategies for addressing both migration pressures and integration challenges. Furthermore, recognizing intervening obstacles can help create more effective policies that facilitate smoother transitions for migrants while addressing local concerns regarding immigration.

Related terms

Push Factors:

Conditions that drive individuals to leave their home country, such as economic hardship, political instability, or environmental disasters.

Pull Factors:

Attractions that draw individuals to a new location, including better job opportunities, improved living conditions, or family reunification.

Migration Stream: The flow of migrants from one region to another, often influenced by various push and pull factors as outlined in Lee's model.