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Push Factors

Definition

Push factors are those that force people to leave their homeland and migrate. These can include things like war, extreme poverty, or natural disasters.

Analogy

Think of push factors as a fire alarm in your house. If it goes off, you're going to want to get out fast! Similarly, when conditions in a person's home country become unbearable (like the alarm), they're pushed to leave and seek better circumstances elsewhere.

Related terms

Pull Factors: The opposite of push factors; these are conditions that attract immigrants to a new area, such as job opportunities or political freedom.

Great Migration: A period during the early 20th century where African Americans migrated from the rural South to Northern cities due to push factors like racial segregation and lack of economic opportunities.

Refugees: People who have been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster - all examples of push factors.