Socioeconomic Integration through Language: Evidence from the European Union

Daniel Reiter ()
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Daniel Reiter: University of Graz, Austria

No 2020-15, Graz Economics Papers from University of Graz, Department of Economics

Abstract: In this paper, I explore the role of language for a sustainable socioeconomic integration of migrants in the European Union. Building upon insights concerning the emergence of shared mental models through social learning mechanisms, I argue that language is substantial, not only for simple communication, but also to effectively transmit and decrypt expectations, opinions and ideas. This is of considerable importance for integration processes, since shared mental models enables a common interpretation of reality, which facilitates any further social interaction. This works all the more smoothly if individuals originate from the same sociocultural background and share a common language. If not, as in case of migration, immigrants as well as natives face several issues. Some of this I demonstrate empirically with data from the European Union Labour Force Survey. I show that for first-generation male and female migrants within the EU, language problems significantly reduce the probability to be in paid work. Additionally, they increase the probability to be overqualified.

Keywords: Shared mental models; Language skills; Migrants; Labour market participation; Overqualification. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C36 J15 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-eur and nep-mig
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