Rejuvenation in rural Ireland in response to the COVID-19 induced urban-to-rural migration phenomenon

The aim of this paper is to discuss the paradigm shift in residential choices induced by the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Firstly, the resilience of the rural regions belonging to the Northern Periphery and Arctic Program will be explored—the challenges brought about by COVID-19 within their tourism sectors, and the opportunities for rural revival generated by the current shifts in workplace mobility. The paper will then delve deeper into the case study of Ireland. The pre-existing issue of Ireland’s one-off housing and suburban sprawl will be explored, and the extent to which the regional plan “Our Rural Future” will tackle these issues by optimizing building density and dwelling typology in the post-COVID-19 era.

Who Migrates, Who Stays?

This chapter provides a descriptive investigation into who migrates. Reasons for concern about the gender balance in migration are set out, including the empowerment of women. Gender differences in education are estimated to be an important contributor shaping this balance. Autonomous migration by women is broadly stigmatized but shown to vary widely across countries of Africa and Asia. The long-standing evidence of positive selection on education in rural-urban migration is reaffirmed, though the more recent depiction of negative selection on urban-rural migration is less uniform. Claims that migrations between the rural and urban zones result in sorting of labor by skills are not supported. Rural-urban migration is lowering education of the labor force in towns; urban-rural migration is raising that in the countryside. Minority ethnolinguistic groups typically undertake less rural-urban and more urban-rural migration. The context in which these communities live and the policies toward them contribute to these migration patterns and are detailed in the chapter.

The Problem and Prospects of Slum Dwellers in Urban Areas: Case Study of Nashik City

The word “slum” is often used to describe informal settlements within cities that have inadequate housing and miserable living conditions. They are often overcrowded, with many people crammed into very small living spaces. Slums are not a new phenomenon. They have been a part of the history of almost all cities, particularly during the phase of urbanization and industrialization. Slums are generally the only type of settlement affordable and accessible to the poor in cities, where competition for land and profits is intense. The main reason for slum proliferation is rapid and non-inclusive patterns of urbanization catalyzed by increasing rural migration to urban areas.

Gram Swaraj: The Sustainable Model for Rural Industrialisation and Employment

This article discusses the relevance of Gram Swaraj or village self-governance and rural industries in the context of pandemic-ravaged countries like India. Drawing mainly from Gandhian Gram Swaraj ideas and secondary sources, it discusses the impact on informal sector workers, their rural–urban–rural migration and precarious livelihood question, the need for rural industries and the adaptation and application of Gram Swaraj ideas. The analysis has implications for considering these ideas for creating sustainable employment and livelihood in rural areas in countries like India.