Migration and Its Determinants: A Study of Two Communities in Colombia, Recorded Interview with Dr. Jesus Valencia

Migration and Its Determinants: A Study of Two Communities in Colombia, Recorded Interview with Dr. Jesus Valencia

(Recording time 27:30) Recorded July 15, 2011

Using data gathered by the author in two communities in Southwestern Colombia, this paper tests a model of migration which incorporates relative deprivation as one of many possible reasons to migrate. The study finds that the product of relative deprivation and family income not only has a sensible interpretation, it is a better predictor of migration than its two component variables alone. Results also show that families with the highest propensities to migrate are those with the most to gain in terms of being better able to reduce relative deprivation through successful migration. These families, however, are neither at the bottom nor at the top of the income distribution in their communities. The study also finds that those most likely to migrate to the USAA conform most closely to the immigration policies of the USA.