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Strong versus weak ties in migration

Author

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  • Giulietti, Corrado
  • Wahba, Jackline
  • Zenou, Yves

Abstract

This paper studies the role of strong versus weak ties in rural-to-urban migration decisions in China. We develop a network model that puts forward the different roles of weak and strong ties in helping workers to migrate to the city. We use unique longitudinal data that allow us to test our model by focusing on first-time migration. We address the endogeneity of weak ties using an instrumental variable procedure. Our results indicate that weak and strong ties provide different type of help and hence act as complements in the migration decision, with the interactive effect being particularly strong above a certain threshold of weak ties.

Suggested Citation

  • Giulietti, Corrado & Wahba, Jackline & Zenou, Yves, 2018. "Strong versus weak ties in migration," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 111-137.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eecrev:v:104:y:2018:i:c:p:111-137
    DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2018.02.006
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social networks; Internal migration; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

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

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