DT 12/17 - So dissatisfied to leave? The role of perceptions, expectations and beliefs on youths’ intention to migrate

This study analyzes the extent to which Uruguayan youths’ economic dissatisfaction drives intention to migrate by exploring those factors that can affect people's economic satisfaction. Causality is explored using instrumental variable analysis and conditional mixed process estimations.
The findings of this study point to a causal negative relationship from economic satisfaction to youths’ desires to migrate. Also, results highlight the importance of subjective and objective income, individuals’ perceptions of the opportunities available in the country regarding social mobility, job access, housing, and adequate income, in shaping youths’ reported economic satisfaction and therefore their desire to migrate.