Changing Gender Roles, Shifting Power Balance and Long-distance Migration of Couples

Jeroen Smits, Clara H. Mulder and Pieter Hooimeijer
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Jeroen Smits: Department of Economics, Nijmegen School of Management, University of Nijmegen, PO Box 9108, 6500 HK Nijmegen, The Netherlands, jeroen.smits@nsm.kun.nl
Clara H. Mulder: Department of Geography and Planning, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Prinsengracht 130, 1018 VZAmsterdam, The Netherlands, C.Mulder@frw.uva.nl
Pieter Hooimeijer: Urban Research Ceretre Utrecht, Utrecht University, PO Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands, P.Hooimeijer@geog.uu.nl

Urban Studies, 2003, vol. 40, issue 3, 603-613

Abstract: Long-distance migration of couples requires joint decision-making within the household. The uneven power balance between men and women and traditional gender roles have given rise to the concepts of 'tied stayer' (usually the male partner) and 'tied mover' (usually the female). Since these concepts were introduced, women have gained economic power and gender roles have changed. The paper analyses the effects of these changes on the determinants of the long-distance migration of couples, using data for the Netherlands. For 1977, the results reflect the 'classic' pattern of family migration: the male's human capital counted more than the female's and a male age advantage led to more migration. Women seemed to use their power mostly to prevent migration. By 1996, the dominance of the male's human capital had largely disappeared and the effect of an age advantage had become more symmetrical. The results point to the emergence of a new pattern, with a more equal power balance within couples.

Date: 2003
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:40:y:2003:i:3:p:603-613

DOI: 10.1080/0042098032000053941

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