The concept describes a closer, more accessible option that diminishes the appeal of locations farther away. For example, an individual migrating from a rural area to a large city for employment might initially intend to move to a distant metropolis. However, if a suitable job becomes available in a town closer to their origin, that nearer option becomes an attractive, intervening alternative, potentially altering the original migration plan. This principle posits that spatial interaction between an origin and a destination is inversely related to the number of opportunities between them.
This principle is valuable in understanding migration patterns, economic activities, and consumer behavior. It highlights that distance is not the sole determinant of interaction; the availability of closer, beneficial substitutes plays a significant role. Historically, the impact of such occurrences has been observed in shifting population distributions and the growth of suburban areas. These closer opportunities can redirect flows of people, goods, and capital, leading to complex spatial dynamics.