Migration mobility of population and otkhodnichestvo in modern Russia

Abstract

Various population migration flows are analyzed including relocation for permanent residence and temporary labor migration of the Russian population and foreign workers. A high correlation is established between the intensity of labor migration of the Russian population and migration for permanent residence to the central parts of Russia and the country’s biggest cities. A gap between migration trajectories of the Russian population and foreign workers is exposed. Analysis of the population’s regional labor migration relies on various sources of statistical data and indirect research methods on the socioeconomic state and migration attractiveness of cities of different size in macroregions of Russia, performed between 1991 and 2011. In addition, the study uses results of sociological polls conducted in key rural areas. Temporary labor migration (otkhodnichestvo) of weekly, monthly, or longer-term cycles is considered one of the key ways to support the required living standard in areas beyond agglomerations in the modern institutional context. The phenomenon of otkhodnichestvo has a social impact on the population. It reinforces polarization of the Russian space and hampers the development of peripheral areas and small and medium-sized cities. The paper contains maps, graphs, and tables.