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Floating population: migration with(out) family and the spatial distribution of economic activity

Author

Listed:
  • Imbert, Clément
  • Monras, Joan
  • Seror, Marlon
  • Zylberberg, Yanos

Abstract

This paper argues that migrants' decision to bring their dependent family members shapes their consumption behavior, their choice of destination, and their sensitivity to migration barriers. We develop and estimate, using Chinese data, a quantitative general equilibrium spatial model in which rural workers choose whether, how (with or without their family), where to migrate, and how to allocate their consumption across space. The model rationalizes the empirical evidence: Rural migrants disproportionately move to expensive, unwelcoming cities, live without their family, and remit substantially. We quantify the role of migration frictions (e.g., hukou policies) in explaining these patterns and show that, by changing the relative value of consumption across space, they contribute to the rise of non-family migration and to the emergence of mega-cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Imbert, Clément & Monras, Joan & Seror, Marlon & Zylberberg, Yanos, 2023. "Floating population: migration with(out) family and the spatial distribution of economic activity," CEPR Discussion Papers 18418, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:18418
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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Bruno Conte, 2022. "Climate Change and Migration: The Case of Africa," CESifo Working Paper Series 9948, CESifo.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • 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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