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A Demographic Factor as a Determinant of Migration: What Is the Effect of Sibship Size on Migration Decision?

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  • Jianmei ZHAO

    (China Academy of Public Finance and Public policy, Central University of Finance and Economics)

  • Hai ZHONG

    (China Academy of Public Finance and Public policy, Central University of Finance and Economics)

Abstract

Developing countries often lack an adequate social security system, and elderly parents rely heavily on their children for support. Aging populations and low-fertility rates are an emerging trend in developing countries. In this paper, we examine the effects of sibship size on individuals' internal migration decisions in China. We find that the number of siblings has a positive effect on individual migration decisions, but this effect is non-linear and marginally increasing. Second, we find that having brothers has a more significant effect on migration decisions than having sisters. Finally, although of different magnitudes, the effects are persistent across genders, Hukou status, and education levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianmei ZHAO & Hai ZHONG, 2019. "A Demographic Factor as a Determinant of Migration: What Is the Effect of Sibship Size on Migration Decision?," JODE - Journal of Demographic Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 85(4), pages 321-345, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ctl:louvde:v:85:y:2019:i:4:p:321-345
    DOI: 10.1017/dem.2019.13
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Demographic factor; Determinants; Migration decisions; Sibship size;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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