Migration motivation and ethnic identity of migrant couples: tied versus lead movers

This study examines how being a tied or lead mover relates to the ethnic identity of migrant spouses. Tied and lead movers differ in their migration motivations, face different constraints, and opportunities (e.g., social network through work). This is likely to be reflected in different investment strategies and adjustment patterns in the host country. To study the adjustment of tied and lead movers, I rely on the IAB-SOEP Migration Sample, which asks migrant spouses who was the main driver of the migration decision and measures several socio-economic outcomes in Germany. Using the Constant et al. (2009) framework to measure ethnic identity, the results provide descriptive evidence that tied movers in Germany are more likely to be separated and less likely to be integrated and assimilated when compared to lead or equal movers. These findings suggest that for tied movers, the benefits of investing in the host country’s culture do not outweigh the costs.