What drives Senegalese migration to Europe? The role of economic restructuring, labor demand, and the multiplier effect of networks

Abstract

1. IntroductionAlthough the literature on migration determinants in sub-Saharan Africa is extensive, most focuses on internal migration (Lucas 2006). Compared to the theoretical and empirical literature of international migration elsewhere, relatively little is known about international African migration, especially that outside the continent (Adepoju 2004; Lucas 2006; Grillo and Mazzucato 2008; Hatton and Williamson 2003). Most existing studies have adopted a qualitative approach, and the few quantitative studies are based either on aggregate data or cross-sectional micro-data (e.g., Hatton and Williamson 2003; Schoorl et al. 2000; van Dalen, Groenewold, and Schoorl 2005). As a result, there is a dearth of knowledge and quantitative empirical evidence about what drives migration from Sub-Saharan Africa, and whether this is similar to migration from other geographical regions.Acknowledging the need for appropriate data to remedy this state of affairs, the Migrations between Africa and Europe (MAFE) project collected rich retrospective biographical data in several locations in Africa and Europe (Beauchemin 2012)3. Here we use MAFE data to examine the drivers of Senegalese migration to Europe between 1976 and 2008. This migration system is an example of migration from Sub-Saharan Africa to developed societies. Although comparatively modest in absolute numbers, this migration stream has developed quickly since the 1980s.In this study we pay particular attention to the links between the micro-level factors that influence migration decisions and political, social, and economic processes in both Senegal and Europe. Very few empirical studies have examined how migration relates to historical social and economic transformations (Sassen 1988; Portes 1997; Castles and Miller 2009). Our perspective highlights the importance of institutions in regulating migration behavior and shaping migration dynamics4. Particularly useful for our purposes are several insights from institutional approaches in economics and development research that analyze how social institutions regulate migration behavior (Stark 1991; de Haan 1999; Ellis 2000). The specific characteristics of the origin and destination labor markets are central to understanding migration (Piore 1979; Portes and Bach 1985; Reyneri 2003; Villarreal and Blanchard 2013). Social groups and relationships, including migration networks and families, greatly influence migration (Massey 1990; Stark 1991). Although different, the perspectives above share several conceptual parallels. They place individual behavior in a wider societal context, analyzing how social institutions function and their role in migration. By highlighting the role of families and social networks they take into account (household) decision-making. We argue that integrating these perspectives can enhance the understanding of migration processes through a more complete consideration of how origin and destination factors interact.Our analyses focus on the following hypotheses.1) Economic Insecurity Hypothesis. The long period of economic recession experienced in Senegal and the associated reshaping of social and economic relationships involved a general deterioration of living conditions and heightened economic insecurity, which created the conditions for increasing out-migration propensities.2) Labor Demand Hypothesis. Labor market restructuring in Europe provided job opportunities in particular niches and locations.3) Social Capital Hypothesis. For Senegalese migrants, social networks link the above processes by channeling job access in Europe.4) Interaction between Labor Demand and Social Capital Hypothesis. The conjunction of periods of strong labor demand and the availability of personal networks in Europe creates a boosting effect on the migration probabilities of the Senegalese to Europe.These hypotheses specify under what conditions particular mechanisms, proposed in previous literature, are activated, leading to the development of the migration system between Senegal and Europe. …