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Sunday, 26 June 2016

The evolution and sustainability of seasonal migration from Poland to Germany: From the dusk of the 19th century to the dawn of the 21st century

Volume 28, October 2013, Pages 3–18
Special Issue: The Dynamics of International Migration


Abstract

We document and suggest a rationale for the durability of seasonal migration from Poland to Germany, a phenomenon persisting for more than a century. We refer to the role of the tradition of engaging in seasonal migration as a force that helped invigorate the process and contribute to its sustainability even when, to different degrees and at different times, the process was interrupted by a shifting political, regulatory, and legal environment. Evidence in support of the role of tradition is provided, among other things, by the continuation of the seasonal flow of migrants from once border regions - which became internal regions following WWII - despite the fact that since the redrawing of the German-Polish border, proximity is no longer a factor encouraging repeated, short-term seasonal moves.

JEL classification

  • F22;
  • J22;
  • J43;
  • J61;
  • N3;
  • N33;
  • N34;
  • N93;
  • N94

Keywords

  • Poland-to-Germany seasonal migration;
  • Evolution of seasonal migration;
  • Long-term durability of seasonal migration;
  • Tradition
Corresponding author at: ZEF, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Strasse 3, D-53113 Bonn, Germany.