Pandemic-Driven Migration Shifts Linked to Availability of Extended Family Ties

Kernkonzepte

The COVID-19 pandemic led to notable changes in U.S. domestic migration patterns, with more people moving to smaller cities from larger cities. This study finds that the availability of non-coresident parental family ties in smaller cities was a contributing factor to these migration shifts.

Zusammenfassung

The study examines the connection between changes in inter-city migration during the COVID-19 pandemic, city population size, and the role of non-coresident family ties. The key findings are:

Analysis of large-scale relocation data shows an increased migration flow to smaller cities after the pandemic started, deviating from previous trends.

Micro-level analysis of individual migration patterns in census data reveals higher rates of "return-to-home" moves, where people moved to be closer to their parents or native place, after the pandemic began.

At the city level, the study constructs a proxy for the availability of parental family households and finds that cities with higher parental family availability saw larger increases in net in-migration after the pandemic started, even after controlling for factors like population density and cost of living.

The results suggest that the distribution of non-coresident family ties, particularly parental ties, was a relevant factor in understanding the pandemic-driven changes in human migration patterns, in addition to other socioeconomic and physical factors.

The study advances the understanding of the demography-disaster nexus and highlights the need for more research on the role of broader kinship systems in large-scale socioeconomic phenomena.

Statistiken

"Changes in U.S. migration during the COVID-19 pandemic show that many moved to less populated cities from larger cities, deviating from previous trends."
"People migrated closer to family at higher rates after the COVID-19 pandemic started."
"Cities with higher proportions of people who can be parents to adult children (a proxy for parental family availability) saw larger and more positive changes in net in-migration after the pandemic started."

Zitate

"If family-driven migration was indeed happening at higher rates, flows to smaller cities would follow as a consequence of the distribution of non-coresident family ties in the U.S."
"Parental ties are a very compelling variable to study as a "pull factor" in pandemic-migration for the reason that migration is highly age- and life course-specific as well as context-dependent."
"Our results point to important implications in the context of cities, and amplify ongoing literature which highlights the need for more research on the role of broader kinship in large-scale socioeconomic phenomena."

Wichtige Erkenntnisse aus

Non-coresident family as a driver of migration change in a crisis

by Unch... um arxiv.org 04-04-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2310.03254.pdf

Tiefere Fragen

How might the pandemic-driven migration shifts and the role of family ties vary across different cultural and socioeconomic contexts beyond the U.S.

The pandemic-driven migration shifts and the role of family ties may vary significantly across different cultural and socioeconomic contexts beyond the U.S. In cultures where extended family ties are highly valued and form the core of social support systems, the impact of family ties on migration decisions during the pandemic may be even more pronounced. For example, in collectivist societies where the concept of family extends beyond nuclear family units to include aunts, uncles, and cousins, the influence of non-coresident family ties on migration patterns could be more significant. Additionally, in cultures where intergenerational care is a norm and filial piety is a strong value, the need to be closer to elderly parents or grandparents for caregiving purposes during a crisis like the pandemic could drive migration decisions.
Socioeconomic contexts also play a crucial role in shaping the impact of family ties on migration patterns. In lower-income countries or regions where economic opportunities are limited, the reliance on family networks for support and assistance during crises could be even more pronounced. Economic disparities and access to resources may influence the ability of individuals to relocate closer to family members, with financial constraints playing a significant role in migration decisions. Additionally, in societies where housing affordability and cost of living are major concerns, the availability of family support networks in less expensive or rural areas may drive individuals to move away from urban centers during times of crisis.

What other types of non-coresident family ties, beyond parental relationships, may have influenced migration patterns during the pandemic

Beyond parental relationships, other types of non-coresident family ties may have influenced migration patterns during the pandemic. Sibling relationships, especially in cultures where siblings play a significant role in caregiving and support, could have been a driving factor in migration decisions. Siblings often provide emotional and practical support to each other, and the need to be closer to siblings for mutual assistance during a crisis could have influenced migration patterns.
Extended family relationships such as relationships with aunts, uncles, and cousins could also have played a role in migration decisions. In some cultures, extended family members are considered as important as immediate family members, and the need to be closer to extended family for emotional support, childcare, or eldercare could have influenced migration patterns. Additionally, relationships with in-laws and extended family through marriage could have influenced migration decisions, especially in cultures where strong ties with in-laws are valued.
Friendship networks and chosen family relationships could also have influenced migration patterns during the pandemic. Close friends who are considered as family members or chosen family play a significant role in providing support and companionship, and the need to be closer to chosen family for emotional support and social connections could have influenced migration decisions.

What are the long-term implications of the observed pandemic-driven migration changes on the demographic and economic landscapes of cities of different sizes

The observed pandemic-driven migration changes are likely to have long-term implications on the demographic and economic landscapes of cities of different sizes.
In smaller cities that experienced an influx of migrants during the pandemic, there could be a shift in the demographic composition towards a more diverse population. This influx of new residents could lead to changes in the cultural fabric of these cities, potentially bringing in new ideas, perspectives, and traditions. Additionally, the increased population could stimulate economic growth and development in these smaller cities, leading to job creation, increased demand for goods and services, and overall economic revitalization.
On the other hand, larger cities that experienced a net outflow of residents during the pandemic may face challenges such as population decline, reduced tax revenue, and a shrinking labor force. This could impact the economic stability and growth of these cities, leading to potential strains on infrastructure, services, and resources. The demographic changes resulting from the outmigration could also have implications for the social dynamics and cultural vibrancy of these cities.
Overall, the pandemic-driven migration changes could reshape the urban landscape, influencing factors such as housing markets, employment opportunities, social services, and community dynamics in cities of different sizes. It will be important for policymakers and urban planners to consider these long-term implications and adapt strategies to address the changing needs of their communities.