On the move: explaining migration patterns in Estonia during the transition period

• Contrary to the indications of official statistics, recent research suggests that internal migration in Estonia may in fact be predominantly urban-bound. Applying a loosely structurationist approach to analyse sample survey data collected in 1997, this paper attempts to explore why urban areas are attractive as a destination, and why many migrants moving to urban areas, unlike those leaving for the countryside, fail to register. Differential urban-rural and regional development are the important factors helping to explain the nature and direction of migratory flows in Estonia during the transition period, while the (partial) removal of constraints operating in urban housing markets facilitates the decision to move. As for non-registration of residential relocation, the practice is mostly associated with migrants aged 35 or below. This is a group that, for a variety of reasons, has a rather special standing with respect to access to, and ownership of, residential property. This paper attempts to explore the migration patterns during the transition period in Estonia. A structuration approach was used to analyze data from the Estonian Statistical Office collected in 1997. Findings show that for migration between urban and rural areas, work-related reasons have been the most important motivating factor in urban growth during the transition period. Also considered are the family and education. In relation to sociodemographic structure of the population, men cite work, while women count family-related reasons, as the main motive for migrating. As to nonregistration, the most significant reason relates to issues of ownership. Because migrants are living in rented housing, it is not possible for them to register even if they desire to do so. Other reasons include "temporary", associated with study and work; "juridical", bureaucratic matters; and "multiple places of residence". This analysis, however, is incomplete because the attitudes and patterns of behavior have only partially or perfunctorily been related to the dramatic changes that have occurred in Estonian society. Proper statistical data are needed to help examine trends at a more disaggregated spatial level.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Nationalekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Economics (hsv//eng)

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