Examine the following laws of migration, advocated by E. G. Ravenstein :
A. The majority of migrants go only a short distance.
B. Females are less migratory than males.
C. Each current of migration produces a counter-current of higher strength.
D. The natives of towns are less migratory than those of rural areas.
Choose correct laws :

Question

Examine the following laws of migration, advocated by E. G. Ravenstein : 
A. The majority of migrants go only a short distance.
B. Females are less migratory than males.
C. Each current of migration produces a counter-current of higher strength.
D. The natives of towns are less migratory than those of rural areas.
Choose correct laws :

Accepted Answer

Here's a detailed explanation justifying why Option 1 (A, C, and D) is the correct answer based on Ravenstein's Laws of Migration:

**Why Option 1 (A, C, and D) is Correct:**

*   **A. The majority of migrants go only a short distance:** This is a fundamental principle of Ravenstein's Laws. He observed that most migrants move only a short distance, often within the same district or region. This is due to factors like familiarity with the area, lower transportation costs, and less disruption to social networks. This is often referred to as distance decay.

*   **C. Each current of migration produces a counter-current of higher strength:** Ravenstein noted that for every major migration flow, there is a return flow or counter-stream. While the counter-stream isn't *always* of higher strength, it's a significant and observable phenomenon. People may return to their origin for various reasons, such as retirement, family obligations, or failure to find success in the destination. The existence of this counter-current is a key aspect of Ravenstein's observations.

*   **D. The natives of towns are less migratory than those of rural areas:** Ravenstein observed that people in rural areas are more likely to migrate than those in towns. This is because rural areas often have fewer economic opportunities, less access to education and services, and a greater reliance on agriculture, which can be vulnerable to economic fluctuations. Town dwellers, on the other hand, typically have more diverse employment options and better access to amenities, making them less inclined to migrate.

**Why the Other Options are Incorrect:**

*   **Option 2 (A, B, and D):** While A and D are correct, B ("Females are less migratory than males") is a generalization that has been challenged and modified over time. Ravenstein's original observation was based on 19th-century migration patterns. Modern migration patterns show that female migration is often equal to or even greater than male migration in many parts of the world, especially for economic and educational reasons. Therefore, including B makes this option incorrect.

*   **Option 3 (A, B, and C):** Again, while A and C are correct, B ("Females are less migratory than males") is a generalization that doesn't hold true in many contemporary migration scenarios. The inclusion of B makes this option incorrect.

*   **Option 4 (B, C, and D):** While C and D are correct, B ("Females are less migratory than males") is a generalization that doesn't hold true in many contemporary migration scenarios. The inclusion of B makes this option incorrect.

In conclusion, Option 1 (A, C, and D) is the only option that accurately reflects the core principles of Ravenstein's Laws of Migration, while avoiding the outdated generalization about female migration.