Relative Standing and Temporary Migration: Empirical Evidence from the South Caucasus

Abstract

This paper empirically investigates the relationship between households’ relative deprivation and the intentions of their members to temporarily migrate abroad in three transition economies of the South Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Controlling for households’ absolute income and other relevant subjective dimensions, we illustrate that households’ relative position vis-à-vis their reference groups plays an important role in determining the intentions of their members to migrate abroad. Particularly, individuals are more willing to engage in temporary emigration, if they perceive themselves to be poorer than the reference group.

Keywords: Intentions to Migrate, Relative Deprivation, Reference Group, South Caucasus

JEL Classification: D31, D63, F22, J61, O15, P20, P36