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Social networks in determining migration and labour market outcomes: evidence from the German reunification

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  • Siedler, Thomas
  • Rainer, Helmut

Abstract

This paper empirically examines social network explanations for migration decisions in the context of the German reunification. Using longitudinal data from the German Socio- Economic Panel, we first show that the presence of family and friends in West Germany is an important predictor for the migration hazard rate of East Germans. We then explore whether pre-migration networks have a discernible impact on the economic and social assimilation of East German immigrants in West Germany. We find that East German immigrants are more likely to be employed, and to hold higher-paying jobs, when socially connected to the West prior to emigrating. East Germans immigrants with pre-migration networks also appear to be more integrated into their Western host communities than movers without preexisting social ties.

Suggested Citation

  • Siedler, Thomas & Rainer, Helmut, 2008. "Social networks in determining migration and labour market outcomes: evidence from the German reunification," ISER Working Paper Series 2008-36, Institute for Social and Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:ese:iserwp:2008-36
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Warin Thierry & Blakely Andrew, 2012. "Choice or Mimetism in the Decision to Migrate? A European Illustration," Global Economy Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 12(2), pages 1-32, June.
    2. Dorner, Matthias & Harhoff, Dietmar & Hinz, Tina & Hoisl, Karin & Bender, Stefan, 2016. "Social ties for labor market access - Lessons from the migration of East German inventors," IAB-Discussion Paper 201641, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany].
    3. Harhoff, Dietmar & Dorner, Matthias & Hinz, Tina & Hoisl, Karin & Bender, Stefan, 2016. "Social Ties for Labor Market Access – Lessons from the Migration of East German Inventors," CEPR Discussion Papers 11601, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    4. Nadler Robert, 2012. "Should I stay or should I go? International migrants in the rural town of Zittau (Saxony) and their potential impact on rural development," European Countryside, Sciendo, vol. 4(1), pages 57-72, January.
    5. Mitze, Timo & Reinkowski, Janina, 2010. "Testing the Validity of the Neoclassical Migration Model: Overall and Age-Group Specific Estimation Results for German Spatial Planning Regions," MPRA Paper 23616, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    6. Nienaber Birte & Frys Wioletta, 2012. "International labour migration in European rural regions - the example of Saarland, Germany," European Countryside, Sciendo, vol. 4(1), pages 73-88, January.

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