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Formation of Migrant Networks

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  • Margherita Comola
  • Mariapia Mendola

Abstract

In this paper, we provide the first direct evidence on the internal structure of the migrant social network. By using a purposely designed survey on Sri Lankan immigrants living in Milan, we show that the pattern of within-group link formation is heterogeneous across immigrants, and differentiated according to the network function (i.e., accommodation, credit, job-finding). We find that migrants tend to interact with co-nationals who come from nearby localities at origin, while the time of arrival has a U-shaped effect. Once the link is formed, material support is provided mainly to relatives, while early migrant fellows are helpful for job-finding.

Suggested Citation

  • Margherita Comola & Mariapia Mendola, 2015. "Formation of Migrant Networks," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 117(2), pages 592-618, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:scandj:v:117:y:2015:i:2:p:592-618
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    Cited by:

    1. Fedotenkov, Igor, 2015. "International Trade and Migration: Why Do Migrants Choose Small Countries?," MPRA Paper 66035, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Gil S. Epstein & Odelia Heizler (Cohen), 2016. "The formation of networks in the diaspora," International Journal of Manpower, Emerald Group Publishing, vol. 37(7), pages 1136-1153, October.
    3. Bredtmann, Julia & Nowotny, Klaus & Otten, Sebastian, 2020. "Linguistic distance, networks and migrants’ regional location choice," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    4. Simone Bertoli & Ilse Ruyssen, 2018. "Networks and migrants’ intended destination," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 18(4), pages 705-728.
    5. Manchin, Miriam & Orazbayev, Sultan, 2018. "Social networks and the intention to migrate," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 360-374.
    6. Rapallini, Chiara & Rustichini, Aldo, 2019. "Personality and cognitive skills in network of friends, for multi-ethnic schools," Research in Economics, Elsevier, vol. 73(1), pages 1-14.
    7. Campigotto, Nicola & Rapallini, Chiara & Rustichini, Aldo, 2020. "School Friendship Networks, Homophily and Multiculturalism: Evidence from European Countries," GLO Discussion Paper Series 695, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    8. Ivlevs, Artjoms, 2020. "Does Emigration Affect Pro-Environmental Behaviour Back Home? A Long-Term, Local-Level Perspective," IZA Discussion Papers 12984, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    9. Gil S. Epstein & Odelia Heizler-Cohen, 2016. "The Formation of Immigrant Networks in the Short and the Long Run," Economies, MDPI, Open Access Journal, vol. 4(3), pages 1-16, July.
    10. Michel Beine, 2016. "The role of networks for migration flows: an update," International Journal of Manpower, Emerald Group Publishing, vol. 37(7), pages 1154-1171, October.
    11. Blumenstock, Joshua & Chi, Guanghua & Tan, Xu, 2019. "Migration and the Value of Social Networks," CEPR Discussion Papers 13611, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    12. Gil S. Epstein & Odelia Heizler (Cohen), 2016. "Networks in the Diaspora," CReAM Discussion Paper Series 1604, Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM), Department of Economics, University College London.
    13. Fernanda Martínez Flores, 2020. "The Effects of Enhanced Enforcement at Mexico’s Southern Border: Evidence From Central American Deportees," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 57(5), pages 1597-1623, October.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation
    • C45 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Neural Networks and Related Topics

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