| Abstract: | This paper describes a framework for major historical settlement patterns, the major stages of population redistribution that accompany such migration, and the other forms of migration that occur within a given settlement pattern. Using a top-down approach has the advantage of tying together a number of diverse types and patterns of migration from differing historical periods and geographic areas. This broad macro level framework is one in which the level of social and economic interaction increases with economic development. With increasing economic development comes the need for greater interaction through the exchange of goods and the establishment of commercial and administrative functions for society. Explanation of the changing trends in population redistribution requires a detailed look at the phases of population redistribution: 1) initial urbanization, 2) frontier expansion, 3) traditional urbanization, 4) overurbanization, 5) suburbanization, and 6) metropolitan and nonmetropolitan turnaround. Less massive migration movements occur within a given settlement pattern as adjustments are made in the population distribution to reflect the relative economic fortunes of competing subunits of the society. In addition, migration may occur with little or no population redistribution because the net migration cancels out a differential in natural increase between subunits, or because the gross in-migration and out-migration cancel out and produce close to zero net migration. Lastly, research on the current migration turnaround from metropolitan to nonmetropolitan areas, emphasizing the change in social interactions from face to face contact to a society in which a large portion of interactions can be performed at a distance, is suggested. |
