What does "push factors" refer to in the context of migration?

In the context of migration, "push factors" refer to conditions or circumstances that compel individuals to leave their home countries. These factors can include a range of negative aspects such as economic hardship, conflict, persecution, lack of employment opportunities, and adverse living conditions. The pressure to escape these unfavorable situations drives people to seek better living conditions and prospects elsewhere. Understanding push factors is crucial in migration studies as they highlight the motivations behind why people move away from their familiar environments.

Other options, while relevant to migration, do not encapsulate the essence of push factors. Attractions or positive elements that draw people to new locations are better described as "pull factors." Similarly, government policies and social networks can play significant roles in migration processes but do not define the reasons individuals feel compelled to leave their current situations. Thus, recognizing push factors provides insight into the challenges faced by migrants.