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Measuring internal migration

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  • Kirchberger, Martina

Abstract

Measuring the extent and direction of the movement of people across space is key to understanding spatial gaps and processes of structural transformation. A range of sources from census data, survey data, to administrative data and newer types of data such as mobile phone data have been used to examine such patterns. This paper investigates how different types of data are used to measure migration and mobility, and how complementary data determine which research questions they can answer. I discuss measurement concerns related to these different types of data, definitions of migration rates used in the literature, selection concerns and other survey design considerations. I conclude by highlighting gaps in the measurement of migration.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirchberger, Martina, 2021. "Measuring internal migration," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:regeco:v:91:y:2021:i:c:s0166046221000740
    DOI: 10.1016/j.regsciurbeco.2021.103714
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    2. Özer İsmet Selçuk & Türk Umut, 2023. "How Does Quality of Life (QOL) Affect Attractiveness of Cities and Internal Migration in Turkey?," Economic Themes, Sciendo, vol. 61(1), pages 85-103, March.
    3. Roland-Holst, David & Karymshakov, Kamalbek & Sulaimanova, Burulcha & Sultakeev, Kadyrbek, 2022. "ICT, Online Search Behavior, and Remittances: Evidence from the Kyrgyz Republic," ADBI Working Papers 1348, Asian Development Bank Institute.
    4. Lanati, Mauro & Sanfilippo, Marco & Santi, Filippo, 2023. "Aid and internal migration in Malawi," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Migration; Mobility; Measurement;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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