Social interactions in economic models of migration: a review and appraisal

Abstract

This paper reviews economic research on labour migration which explicitly or implicitly accounts for socially mediated influences on migration choices. Both theoretical and empirical models are considered. The focus is on models analysing migration decision-making (initiation and perpetuation). The article also considers how economics accounts for non-market interactions related to settlement decisions, duration of stay, and labour market assimilation. Previous surveys have comprehensively reviewed the modelling of both migration behaviour and effects in economic theory. This paper focuses upon efforts to meld concepts traditionally pursued separately in economics and sociology into formal economic models.