Publication

This paper examines the negative effects of emigration on elderly people. The author develops a 'non-cooperative model of siblings' interactions that explains how chain migration can lead to a breakdown of traditional caregiving structures while an opposing endogenous effect increases family members' incentives to specialize as caregiver. The model's predictions are tested using data from Moldova. The empirical analysis suggests that migration and staying in order to provide care are strategic complements for children of elderly parents in most families.