Migration, Family, and Risk Diversification

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Labor Economics
Year: 2003
Volume: 21
Issue: 2
Pages: 323-352

Score contribution per author:

1.345 = (α=2.02 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This article proposes a formal model of migration in which workers are heterogeneous and markets are stochastically correlated. We derive and characterize the optimal migration pattern of a family. We show that migration can take place even when migrants earn less abroad and, surprisingly, when earnings in the foreign country are riskier for every member of the family. Moreover, it may well be an optimal arrangement to have only dependents migrate, thus rationalizing the recent dependent-oriented migration flows from places like Hong Kong and Taiwan. We provide some evidence in support of our theory.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jlabec:v:21:y:2003:i:2:p:323-352
Journal Field
Labor
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25