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Family Size, Sibling Rivalry and Migration: Evidence from Mexico

Author

Listed:
  • Massimiliano Bratti

    (Università degli Studi di Milano, IZA and Centro Studi Luca d’Agliano)

  • Simona Fiore

    (Università degli Studi di Bologna)

  • Mariapia Mendola

    (Università degli Studi di Milano - Bicocca, IZA and Centro Studi Luca d’Agliano)

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of family size and demographic structure on offspring’s international migration. We use rich survey data from Mexico to estimate the impact of sibship size, birth order and sibling composition on teenagers’ and Young adults’ migration outcomes. We find little evidence that high fertility drives migration. The positive correlation between sibship size and migration disappears when endogeneity of family size is addressed using biological fertility miscarriages) and infertility shocks. Yet, the chances to migrate are not equally distributed across children within the family. Older siblings, especially firstborn males, are more likely to migrate, while having more sisters than brothers may increase the chances of migration, particularly among girls.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimiliano Bratti & Simona Fiore & Mariapia Mendola, 2016. "Family Size, Sibling Rivalry and Migration: Evidence from Mexico," Development Working Papers 390, Centro Studi Luca d'Agliano, University of Milano, revised 21 Jun 2016.
    • Handle: RePEc:csl:devewp:390
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    International Migration; Mexico; Family Size; Birth Order; Sibling Composition;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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