The Early History Of Migration Research

Abstract

This article provides a history of the early contributions to the scientific study of migration. It begins with Ravenstein (1880s) and also features the work of D. S. Thomas (1930s). Moreover, the development of the gravity model as applied to migration research (1930s and 1940s) is discussed. The article discusses the historical reasons for interest in various migration phenomena and briefly treats the development of migration data sources.