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International Migration of Couples

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  • Poutvaara, Panu
  • Junge, Martin
  • Munk, Martin D.

Abstract

We present theory on international migration of dual-earner couples, and test it using Danish register data. Our model predicts that the probability that a couple emigrates is increasing in the earnings of the primary earner. The effect of the earnings of the secondary earner may go either way. The empirical analysis confirms that migration probability is always increasing in male primary earner s income, and in most specifications in female primary earner s income. Higher education of either partner makes couples more, and having children makes couples less mobile. Power couples are most likely to emigrate, but also most likely to return.

Suggested Citation

  • Poutvaara, Panu & Junge, Martin & Munk, Martin D., 2014. "International Migration of Couples," VfS Annual Conference 2014 (Hamburg): Evidence-based Economic Policy 100380, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc14:100380
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Matthias Parey & Jens Ruhose & Fabian Waldinger & Nicolai Netz, 2017. "The Selection of High-Skilled Emigrants," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 99(5), pages 776-792, December.
    2. Constant, Amelie F., 2020. "Time-Space Dynamics of Return and Circular Migration: Theories and Evidence," GLO Discussion Paper Series 446, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    3. Foged, Mette, 2016. "Family migration and relative earnings potentials," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 87-100.
    4. Ilpo Kauppinen & Panu Poutvaara, 2012. "Preferences for Redistribution among Emigrants from a Welfare State," ifo Working Paper Series 120, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich.
    5. Martin D Munk & Till Nikolka & Panu Poutvaara, 2022. "International family migration and the dual-earner model [On the origin of gender roles: women and the plough]," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 22(2), pages 263-287.
    6. George J Borjas & Ilpo Kauppinen & Panu Poutvaara, 2019. "Self-selection of Emigrants: Theory and Evidence on Stochastic Dominance in Observable and Unobservable Characteristics," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 129(617), pages 143-171.
    7. Christian Dustmann & Joseph-Simon Görlach, 2016. "The Economics of Temporary Migrations," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 54(1), pages 98-136, March.
    8. Nikolka, Till, 2018. "Family Return Migration," VfS Annual Conference 2018 (Freiburg, Breisgau): Digital Economy 181641, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    9. Piegeler, Monika & Röhl, Klaus-Heiner, 2015. "Gründungsförderung in Deutschland: Ein Aktionsplan gegen sinkende Gründerzahlen," IW policy papers 17/2015, Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft (IW) / German Economic Institute.
    10. Francesco Mariotti & Karen Mumford & Yolanda Pena-Boquete, 2017. "Education, job insecurity and the within country migration of couples," IZA Journal of Migration and Development, Springer;Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit GmbH (IZA), vol. 6(1), pages 1-18, December.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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