Migration, Human Capital, and Poverty in a Dual-Economy Model of a Developing Country

Author/Editor:

Paul R Masson

Publication Date:

September 1, 2001

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

The coexistence of urban and rural poverty and migration to cities is studied in a dual economy model where the acquisition of skills is costly and involves migration to urban areas. In this model, both the distribution of innate abilities and the distribution of wealth matter for the migration decision, and costs of backmigration may produce an urban poverty trap if unemployment lowers household wealth below the cost of skills acquisition.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2001/128

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

September 1, 2001

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451855050/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1282001

Pages:

36

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