Zelinsky Model

The Zelinsky Model of Mobility Transition claims that the type of migration that occurs within a country depends on how developed it is or what type of society it is. A connection is drawn from migration to the stages of within the Development Transition Model (DTM).

Stage 1 of the DTM: Pre industrialized economies

Economies that have not yet developed are made up of rural countries and subsistence farmers. There will only be Rural – Urban migration between the settlements, if at all, as there are few urban areas.

Stages 2-3 of the DTM: Industrializing countries

As countries start to industrialize (UK in the 18th & 19th century) there is increased migration from the countryside to the cities where there were better wages and an increase in the standards of living.

Stage 4 of the DTM: Post industrial economies

Advanced countries that rely on tertiary industry more than secondary industry show an increase in Urban – Rural migration. Technological and transport movement improvements mean that people do not have to live close to where they work. Inter-urbanisation occurs as people move to the suburbs.