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Relative deprivation and international migration
1Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts 02138.
Demography
|February 1, 1989
Summary
International migration decisions are driven by both absolute income gains and relative income position. Households use migration as a strategy to improve their economic standing compared to others, especially in Mexico-to-U.S. migration.
Area of Science:
- Economics
- Sociology
- Migration Studies
Background:
- Household migration decisions are influenced by economic factors.
- Both absolute and relative income considerations play a role in migration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide theoretical reasoning and empirical evidence on the influence of relative income on international migration.
- To examine the role of relative deprivation in Mexico-to-U.S. migration decisions.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical reasoning and empirical analysis.
- Examination of household income data and migration patterns.
Main Results:
- International migration decisions are influenced by both absolute and relative income.
- Relative deprivation is a significant factor in Mexico-to-U.S. migration.
- Migration serves as an effective mechanism for household income gains.
Conclusions:
- Households strategically select members for migration to maximize income gains.
- Relative income position is a key determinant in international labor migration.
- Migration decisions are complex, balancing absolute economic improvement with social comparison.