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Can the theory of motivation explain migration decisions?

Publication

Abstract

According to Abraham Maslow's motivational theory, human action is motivated by five groups of human needs. The model introduced in this paper exploits Maslow's theory to explain migration flows between regions.

In the model, movement from one place to another influences migrant's utility through three various ways. First, through change in wage caused by different wage levels in each location.

Second, through changes in utility connected with individuals safety needs and finally, through disarrangement of individual's social networks. When safety and social needs are added to the model, equilibria arise in which wage differential between regions persists.