Migration of dual-earner couples: a subjective wellbeing approach
Survey
HILDA
Author(s)
Tam, Diana
Victoria University of Wellington
Grimes, Arthur
Victoria University of Wellington; Motu Economic & Public Policy Research
Date Issued
2022-01
Pages
1-21
Keywords
Migration
Dual-earner couples
Subjective wellbeing
Bargaining
Abstract
We model push factors that determine the domestic migration decisions for couples, with emphasis on dual-earner different-sex couples. Unlike many prior studies that concentrate on labour market determinants of migration, we place the subjective well-being (SWB) reported by each partner at centre stage. We test whether migration determinants differ depending on whether the female is the main breadwinner in a dual-earner couple. We also test if determinants differ when either the female or the male is the sole earner within a couple. The evidence shows that a couple is more likely to migrate if she reports low SWB in the year prior to migration, with the strength of this effect varying depending on the earnings status of each partner prior to migration. Male SWB does not have the same impact on the migration choice although we find some evidence that pre-migration male wages impact the migration decision.
URI (Link)
External resource (Link)
Type
Journal Articles
