Cumulative causation and selectivity in labour market oriented migration caused by imperfect information

This paper is concerned with the implications of job search models for migration. In contrast to earlier models, the model described here does not assume perfect information about the wage offer distribution. "In this model information about the wage offer distribution is imperfect and accumulated through the search process. When based on this search model, the migration model is largely enriched and also more realistic. Strategies, which are suboptimal or even absurd with perfect information about the wage offer distribution, such as purchase of information, can be preferable in a migration model, when imperfect information is assumed." The author suggests that the model can explain many phenomena utilized in the argumentation of polarization theory. Consideration is also given to selectivity with respect to age, educational status, and risk preference, as well as the cumulative effects caused by past migration flows and the size of regions. (summary in FRE, GER)