A new GLO Discussion Paper finds that retirement increases the probability of migration strongly.
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GLO Discussion Paper No. 463, 2020
The Retirement Migration Puzzle in China – Download PDF
by Chen, Simiao & Jin, Zhangfeng & Prettner, Klaus
GLO Fellows Klaus Prettner & Zhangfeng Jin
Author Abstract: We examine whether and how retirement affects migration decisions in China. Using a regression discontinuity (RD) design approach combined with a nationally representative sample of 228,855 adults aged between 40 and 75, we find that retirement increases the probability of migration by 12.9 percentage points. Approximately 38% of the total migration effects can be attributed to inter-temporal substitution (delayed migration). Retirement-induced migrants are lower-educated and have restricted access to social security. Household-level migration decisions can reconcile different migration responses across gender. Retirees migrate for risk sharing and family protection mechnisms, reducing market production of their families in the receiving households.
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