The Influence of Culture on Migration Patterns

TL;DR

This study investigates how cultural similarities influence migration patterns, revealing that cultural proximity affects migrant destination choices and acceptance, with variations across countries and economic backgrounds.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence linking cultural proximity to migration flows and acceptance, using comprehensive data and statistical analysis across multiple countries.

Findings

Cultural proximity significantly influences migration patterns.

Approximately half of OECD countries prefer culturally similar migrants.

Migration choices vary with economic status and cultural distance.

Abstract

UN migration data and Hofstede's six cultural dimensions make it possible to find a connection between migration patterns and culture from a longterm perspective. Migrant patterns have been studied from the perspective of both immigrants and OECD host countries. This study tests two hypotheses: first, that the number of migrants leaving for OECD countries is influenced by cultural similarities to the host country; and second, that OECD host countries are more likely to accept culturally close migrants. Both hypotheses were tested using the Mann/Whitney U test for 93 countries between 1995 and 2015. The relationship between cultural and geodesic distance also analysed. The results indicate that cultural proximity significantly influences migration patterns, although the impact varies across countries. About two/thirds of OECD countries show a positive correlation between cultural similarity and geographic proximity, with notable exceptions, such as New Zealand and Australia, which exhibit a negative correlation. Countries such as Colombia, Denmark, and Japan maintain cultural distance, even from their neighbouring countries. Migrants from wealthier countries tend to select culturally similar destinations, whereas those from poorer countries often migrate to culturally distant destinations. Approximately half of OECD countries demonstrate a statistically significant bias towards accepting culturally close migrants. The results of this study highlight the importance of a critical debate that recognises and accepts the influence of culture on migration patterns.