The integration migrant couples in Germany : The role of gender and the migration motive

Abstract

This book chapter highlights the effect of gender and the migration position on the labour market and socio-cultural integration of migrant spouses in Germany. Using a representative survey of the migrant population in Germany, I find that a considerably larger share of females are tied movers, even though they tend to have higher education. This indicates that the family migration decision process is possibly not gender neutral. When looking at post-migration outcomes, I find that tied movers are less likely to be economic and socio-culturally integrated. Hence, being tied mover seems to create an additional hurdle when it comes to integration. While female migrants are less likely to be economically integrated, they are not very different from males when it comes to socio-cultural integration. The negative effect of gender on labour market integration, while holding the migration position and education constant, possibly reflects the role of traditional gender norms. In light of these findings, I conjecture that gender has both a direct and indirect effect on economic integration. Where the indirect effect comes through its effect on the migration position.