The Relationship Between Development Activities and Internal Migration in Contemporary Iran: )A Case Study of Semnan Province(

The management of the development process, characterized by unequal interventions and access by elites, along with the performance of political institutions as drivers of development, is considered a significant factor influencing the distribution of development benefits between regions. The disparity in benefitting from developmental opportunities will result in population mobility and increased migration to urban centers and metropolises, consistently directing development policy towards central areas.
In this article, alongside referencing theoretical foundations and reviewing previous research, we have examined the empirical aspects and governmental development measures based on an inductive approach, utilizing a mixed method incorporating two qualitative methodologies: document analysis of registered data and information, and qualitative interviews. In exploring the structural factors and political decisions influencing migration, registered data from documents compiled by the Budget and Planning Organization have been utilized, while qualitative interviews have been employed to elucidate the reasons and primary motives driving individuals' inclination towards migration.
The research findings indicate the predominance of a centralized pattern in development policymaking. Examination of indicators reveals that a balanced and equitable distribution of development among provincial cities has not been achieved, with migration stemming from the unequal allocation of resources commensurate with the potentials and capacities of regions. Until there is a shift towards balancing the distribution of resources and acknowledging regional capacities in the implementation of development policies by policymakers and executors, the issue of population distribution imbalance will persist unresolved.