MCAT Psychological Social Foundations Flashcards: 9b Immigration Migration Population

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This deck focuses on 9b Immigration Migration Population, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for MCAT Psychological Social Foundations.

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Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is emigration in demographic terms (relative to an origin country)?

Answer: Movement of people out of a country to reside elsewhere. Perspective from sending country; opposite of immigration.

Flashcard 2: What is the definition of urban-to-rural migration (counterurbanization)?

Answer: Movement from cities to rural areas, often for lower cost or lifestyle. Reverses urbanization trend for quality of life reasons.

Flashcard 3: What is a remittance in the context of migration?

Answer: Money sent by migrants to people in their origin country. Financial transfers that support families and boost origin economies.

Flashcard 4: What is the definition of acculturation in immigrant adaptation?

Answer: Cultural and psychological change after contact with a new culture. Involves behavioral and value changes through cultural contact.

Flashcard 5: What is the definition of emigration in demography and population studies?

Answer: Movement out of a country or region to reside elsewhere. Emphasizes leaving one's country to live permanently elsewhere.

Flashcard 6: What is a refugee (legal-social science definition used on the MCAT)?

Answer: Person fleeing persecution who cannot safely return home. Protected under international law with specific rights.

Flashcard 7: What is the key distinction between assimilation and integration?

Answer: Assimilation reduces heritage culture; integration maintains both cultures. Integration preserves dual cultural identity unlike assimilation.

Flashcard 8: What is internal migration?

Answer: Movement of people within the same country. Includes moves between states, cities, or regions domestically.

Flashcard 9: What is the "healthy immigrant effect" often observed in epidemiology?

Answer: New immigrants often show better health than native-born peers initially. Results from self-selection where healthier individuals are more likely to migrate successfully.

Flashcard 10: What is chain migration?

Answer: Migration facilitated by prior migrants' family/social networks. Networks reduce costs/risks for subsequent migrants.

Flashcard 11: What is forced migration?

Answer: Migration driven by coercion, conflict, or disaster rather than choice. Contrasts with voluntary migration due to external pressures.

Flashcard 12: Which concept describes chronic stress from navigating two cultures?

Answer: Acculturative stress. Results from conflicting cultural demands and identity issues.

Flashcard 13: What is assimilation in the context of immigration?

Answer: Adopting host culture to the extent that distinct origin-culture traits fade. Complete cultural absorption into host society.

Flashcard 14: What is the definition of acculturation in immigrant adaptation?

Answer: Cultural change from sustained contact with a new host culture. Process of adapting to new culture while maintaining original identity.

Flashcard 15: What is multiculturalism as a model of immigrant integration?

Answer: Coexistence of multiple cultural groups with maintained identities. Contrasts with assimilation by preserving cultural diversity.

Flashcard 16: What is an internally displaced person (IDP), and how does it differ from a refugee?

Answer: Displaced within own country; refugee crosses an international border. IDPs remain under their government's protection; refugees need international aid.

Flashcard 17: What is an internally displaced person (IDP)?

Answer: Forced to flee home but remains within the same country. Unlike refugees, IDPs haven't crossed international borders.

Flashcard 18: What is a refugee under international law (core defining feature)?

Answer: Person fleeing persecution with a well-founded fear of return. Defined by the 1951 Refugee Convention as someone unable to return due to fear of persecution based on race, religion, or other grounds.

Flashcard 19: What is the healthy immigrant effect in health and migration research?

Answer: New immigrants often show better health than native-born peers initially. Paradox often attributed to selection effects in migration.

Flashcard 20: What is multiculturalism as a societal approach to immigration?

Answer: Policy/ideology supporting coexistence of multiple cultural groups. Promotes cultural diversity within unified society.

Flashcard 21: What is the definition of xenophobia as related to immigration attitudes?

Answer: Fear or hostility toward foreigners or perceived outsiders. Often manifests as discrimination against immigrants.

Flashcard 22: What is multiculturalism as an integration model?

Answer: Coexistence of distinct cultural identities with equal recognition. Promotes diversity while maintaining social cohesion.

Flashcard 23: What is the diaspora of a population?

Answer: Dispersion of a group from a homeland to multiple locations. Often maintains cultural identity across generations.

Flashcard 24: What is a refugee under international definitions used in social science?

Answer: A person fleeing persecution who cannot safely return to their home country. Protected status for those facing persecution at home.

Flashcard 25: What is forced migration?

Answer: Involuntary movement due to coercion, conflict, or disaster. Includes refugees, trafficked persons, and disaster evacuees.

Flashcard 26: What is a diaspora?

Answer: A dispersed population maintaining ties (social/cultural) to a shared homeland. Geographic dispersion with maintained homeland connections.

Flashcard 27: What is immigration in demographic terms?

Answer: Movement of people into a country to reside there. Focuses on permanent relocation, not temporary visits.

Flashcard 28: What is net migration rate (NMR) in population accounting?

Answer: rac{ ext{immigrants}- ext{emigrants}}{ ext{population}} imes 1000. Positive value indicates net immigration to the country.

Flashcard 29: What is emigration in demographic terms?

Answer: Movement out of a country or region to reside elsewhere. The opposite of immigration; focuses on departure rather than arrival.

Flashcard 30: What is circular migration?

Answer: Repeated movement between origin and destination (often seasonal). Common in agricultural work; maintains ties to origin community.

Flashcard 31: What is the definition of emigration in demographic terms?

Answer: Movement of people out of a country to reside elsewhere. Opposite of immigration; focuses on departure from origin country.

Flashcard 32: What is nativism in the context of immigration attitudes?

Answer: Favoring native-born interests over immigrant interests. Political ideology often linked to restrictive immigration policies.

Flashcard 33: What is an asylum seeker (distinguish from refugee status)?

Answer: Person requesting protection; legal status not yet granted. May become a refugee if asylum is granted.

Flashcard 34: What is acculturation?

Answer: Cultural change from contact; adopting some host-culture traits. Cultural adaptation without complete assimilation.

Flashcard 35: What is integration (biculturalism) as an acculturation strategy?

Answer: Maintaining origin culture while participating in the host culture. Balances both cultures, creating a bicultural identity.

Flashcard 36: What is an asylum seeker (status while a claim is pending)?

Answer: Person requesting refugee protection whose claim is not yet decided. Represents an interim status during the evaluation of a refugee claim by host country authorities.

Flashcard 37: What is the definition of an internally displaced person (IDP)?

Answer: Person forced to flee home but remaining within their country. Differs from refugees by not crossing international borders.

Flashcard 38: What is the difference between internal migration and international migration?

Answer: Internal is within a country; international crosses borders. Key distinction is whether national boundaries are crossed.

Flashcard 39: What is voluntary migration, as contrasted with forced migration?

Answer: Movement chosen by the individual, not compelled by threat. Typically motivated by economic opportunity or lifestyle preferences.

Flashcard 40: What is an asylum seeker?

Answer: A person requesting legal protection as a refugee; claim not yet adjudicated. Seeking refugee status; decision pending.

Flashcard 41: Identify the term for factors that drive people to leave an origin area.

Answer: Push factors. Examples include poverty, conflict, persecution, or disasters.

Flashcard 42: What is chain migration in the context of immigration patterns?

Answer: Migration facilitated by family or community ties in destination. Social networks reduce migration costs and risks for newcomers.

Flashcard 43: What is the definition of acculturation in the context of immigration?

Answer: Adopting aspects of the host culture while retaining origin culture. Balances cultural adaptation with heritage preservation.

Flashcard 44: What is the sociological definition of migration as used in population movement research?

Answer: Movement of people from one location to another with relocation. Distinguishes from temporary travel by permanent change of residence.

Flashcard 45: What is circular migration in the context of labor and mobility?

Answer: Repeated movement between origin and destination for work or seasons. Migrants maintain ties to both locations through regular back-and-forth travel.

Flashcard 46: Which term describes social networks and norms that facilitate migration flows?

Answer: Migrant social capital (migration networks). Networks provide information and support for potential migrants.

Flashcard 47: Identify the term for movement from rural areas to cities within a country.

Answer: Rural-to-urban migration (urbanization). Population shift from countryside to urban centers.

Flashcard 48: What is internal migration, and how does it differ from international migration?

Answer: Internal: within a country; international: across national borders. Key distinction is crossing national boundaries versus staying within.

Flashcard 49: What is immigration in demographic terms?

Answer: Movement of people into a country to reside there. Contrasts with emigration (leaving) and focuses on entering to establish residence.

Flashcard 50: What is the "healthy immigrant effect" in health sociology?

Answer: Recent immigrants often have better health than native-born peers. Self-selection and screening may explain initial health advantage.

Flashcard 51: What is the brain drain effect of migration on the origin country?

Answer: Loss of highly educated/skilled workers to other countries. Can hinder development in countries losing skilled workers.

Flashcard 52: What is the definition of a pull factor in migration?

Answer: A condition that attracts people to a destination area. Positive factors that draw people toward a new location.

Flashcard 53: What is a refugee as defined by international protection standards?

Answer: Person outside home country with well-founded fear of persecution. Protected under 1951 UN Convention; cannot be returned to danger.

Flashcard 54: What is international migration?

Answer: Movement of people across national borders. Crosses sovereign boundaries; requires legal documentation.

Flashcard 55: What is a refugee according to standard sociological and legal usage?

Answer: Person forced to flee due to persecution, war, or violence. Legal status requires crossing international border and inability to return.

Flashcard 56: Calculate NMR per $1{,}000$: $I=12{,}000$, $E=9{,}000$, population $=1{,}500{,}000$.

Answer: $2$ per $1{,}000$. $\frac{12{,}000-9{,}000}{1{,}500{,}000} \times 1{,}000 = 2$.

Flashcard 57: Which option best defines a refugee under international protection frameworks?

Answer: Person fleeing persecution, unable or unwilling to return home. Legal status requires well-founded fear of persecution.

Flashcard 58: What is the immigrant paradox often described in health and education research?

Answer: Immigrants may outperform natives on some outcomes despite socioeconomic risk. Success despite disadvantages challenges deficit models.

Flashcard 59: Identify the term for prejudice or discrimination directed specifically at immigrants.

Answer: Xenophobia. Stems from fear of foreigners, often leading to social exclusion and policy restrictions on immigration.

Flashcard 60: What is the "immigrant paradox" in health and education outcomes?

Answer: Some immigrants outperform expectations despite socioeconomic disadvantage. Cultural factors may protect against expected negative outcomes.

Flashcard 61: What is an internally displaced person (IDP) as a migration category?

Answer: A displaced person who remains within their country's borders. Unlike refugees, IDPs haven't crossed international boundaries.

Flashcard 62: What is a remittance in the context of migration?

Answer: Money sent by migrants to individuals in their country of origin. Financial transfers support families left behind.

Flashcard 63: What is an internally displaced person (IDP)?

Answer: Forced to flee home but remains within home country borders. Unlike refugees, IDPs haven't crossed international borders.

Flashcard 64: What is chain migration?

Answer: Migration facilitated by family or community ties at the destination. Social networks reduce migration costs and risks for newcomers.

Flashcard 65: What is the definition of internal migration?

Answer: Movement of people within the same country. Distinguishes from international by staying within national borders.

Flashcard 66: What is the definition of migration as used in sociology and demography?

Answer: Relocation of residence within or between regions or countries. Broader term encompassing both immigration and emigration.

Flashcard 67: What is net migration rate (NMR) as a concept?

Answer: Immigration minus emigration for a population and time period. Positive value indicates more arrivals than departures.

Flashcard 68: What is immigration in demographic terms (relative to a destination country)?

Answer: Movement of people into a country to reside there. Perspective from receiving country; opposite of emigration.

Flashcard 69: What is acculturation in the context of immigrant adaptation?

Answer: Cultural and psychological change from contact with a new culture. Process involves behavioral, value, and identity changes over time.

Flashcard 70: What is assimilation in the context of immigrant incorporation?

Answer: Adoption of host culture with reduced distinct origin-culture practices. More complete cultural replacement than acculturation.

Flashcard 71: What is acculturation in immigrant adaptation to a new host society?

Answer: Adoption of aspects of the host culture while retaining own culture. Selective cultural change while maintaining ethnic identity.

Flashcard 72: What is assimilation in the context of immigration?

Answer: Adopting the host culture with reduced distinct original culture. Original culture diminishes as host culture is fully adopted.

Flashcard 73: What is integration (as a policy or outcome distinct from assimilation)?

Answer: Participation in host society while maintaining aspects of origin culture. Balances inclusion in the host society with preservation of cultural heritage, promoting social cohesion.

Flashcard 74: What is the definition of brain gain?

Answer: Increase in skilled workers in a country due to immigration/return. Benefits receiving country through talent acquisition.

Flashcard 75: What is a diaspora?

Answer: A dispersed population maintaining ties to an ancestral homeland. Geographic dispersion with shared cultural identity and connections.

Flashcard 76: What is the definition of an internally displaced person (IDP)?

Answer: Forced to flee home but remains within home country. Differs from refugees by not crossing international borders.

Flashcard 77: What is a refugee under international law?

Answer: Person outside home country with well-founded fear of persecution. Protected by 1951 UN Convention; cannot be returned to danger.

Flashcard 78: What is the definition of international migration?

Answer: Movement of people across national borders. Contrasts with internal migration by crossing country boundaries.

Flashcard 79: What is the definition of emigration in population movement?

Answer: Movement of people out of a country to reside elsewhere. Emphasizes leaving one's country to live in another.

Flashcard 80: What is the definition of a diaspora in population movement and identity studies?

Answer: Dispersed population maintaining ties to an ancestral homeland. Shared identity persists despite geographic dispersion.

Flashcard 81: What is brain drain in the context of global migration patterns?

Answer: Emigration of highly skilled workers from a country. Represents loss of human capital for origin countries.

Flashcard 82: Identify the migration type: moving from a rural area to a city for work.

Answer: Rural-to-urban internal migration. Movement within country from less to more urbanized areas.

Flashcard 83: What is the net migration rate formula using immigrants and emigrants?

Answer: Net migration rate $=\frac{I-E}{\text{population}}\times 1000$. Measures net population change from migration per 1000 residents.

Flashcard 84: What is multiculturalism as a model of immigrant incorporation?

Answer: Coexistence of distinct cultures with equal societal value. Promotes cultural diversity as societal strength.

Flashcard 85: What is chain migration (mechanism that sustains migration flows)?

Answer: Migration facilitated by prior migrants via social networks and support. Relies on established connections that reduce migration risks and costs through information and assistance.

Flashcard 86: What is the net migration rate (NMR) formula for a population?

Answer: NMR $= \frac{I - E}{\text{population}} \times 1000$. I=immigrants, E=emigrants; positive means net gain.

Flashcard 87: What does the term brain drain refer to in international migration?

Answer: Emigration of highly skilled workers from a country. Loss of educated workforce harms origin country development.

Flashcard 88: What is integration as an acculturation strategy?

Answer: Maintaining origin culture while also participating in the host society. Balances heritage preservation with host participation.

Flashcard 89: What is a refugee under the standard international definition?

Answer: Person fleeing persecution who cannot safely return home. Protected under international law with specific rights.

Flashcard 90: What is a refugee (as distinct from an economic migrant)?

Answer: Person forced to flee due to persecution, conflict, or violence. Legal status differs from voluntary economic migrants.

Flashcard 91: What is the definition of an asylum seeker in migration terminology?

Answer: Person requesting refugee protection; claim not yet adjudicated. Differs from refugee by pending determination of protection status.

Flashcard 92: What is chain migration in the context of immigration and settlement?

Answer: Migration facilitated by family or community ties at destination. Social networks reduce migration costs and risks for newcomers.

Flashcard 93: Which option is the correct formula for net migration rate (NMR)?

Answer: $\text{NMR} = \frac{I - E}{\text{midyear population}} \times 1000$. Rate per 1000 population using immigration minus emigration.

Flashcard 94: What is an asylum seeker in the context of forced migration?

Answer: A person requesting refugee protection whose claim is not yet decided. Status remains temporary until refugee determination is complete.

Flashcard 95: What is multiculturalism as an approach to immigrant incorporation?

Answer: Policy valuing cultural diversity and supporting multiple group identities. Encourages societal pluralism by recognizing and accommodating diverse cultural practices and identities.

Flashcard 96: What is the migrant network effect?

Answer: Existing migrants reduce costs and risks for new migrants. Networks provide housing, jobs, and cultural support, lowering migration barriers.

Flashcard 97: What is acculturation?

Answer: Adoption of aspects of a host culture while retaining origin culture. Involves selective cultural blending rather than complete cultural replacement.

Flashcard 98: What is the healthy immigrant effect?

Answer: New immigrants often show better health than native-born peers. Selection bias and health screening contribute to this temporary advantage.

Flashcard 99: What is the "healthy immigrant effect" in public health research?

Answer: Immigrants often arrive healthier than the host population. Selection bias: healthier individuals more likely to migrate.

Flashcard 100: What is a remittance in the context of migration?

Answer: Money sent by migrants to individuals in their origin country. Financial transfers supporting families in home countries.