This movement pattern involves an initial, short-distance relocation followed by subsequent moves to destinations progressively further away. Individuals or groups do not immediately migrate to their final goal; instead, they proceed in a series of incremental stages. For example, a person may move from a rural village to a small town, then to a larger city, and ultimately to a major metropolitan area.
Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing population distribution and urbanization trends. It helps geographers and demographers explain the growth of cities and the decline of rural areas. Furthermore, it reveals how economic opportunities, social networks, and perceived quality of life influence migratory decisions over time. Historically, it has been a common pattern in countries undergoing industrialization, with populations gradually shifting from agricultural regions to centers of manufacturing and commerce.