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Article
Spouse Overeducation and Family Migration: Evidence from the US
WCBT Faculty Publications
  • Michael A. Quinn, Bentley University
  • Stephen Rubb, Sacred Heart University
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
3-1-2011
Abstract

Scholars have noted that marriage frequently results in a sub-optimal job search. This literature suggests that the overeducation of wives is a result of household migration (tied-mover) or the result of an inability to migrate (tied-stayer). Others have found that overeducation may also be a cause of migration. This study examines overeducation as both a cause and effect of migration. Some evidence shows that families with an overeducated husband are found to be more likely to migrate. In turn, this migration leads to increased levels of overeducation among wives and decreased levels of overeducation among husbands. Household migration is also found to lower the fulltime employment rates of wives by more than their male counterparts.

DOI
10.1007/s10834-010-9213-4
Citation Information
Quinn, M.A. & Rubb, S. (2011). "Spouse Overeducation and Family Migration: Evidence from the US." Journal of Family and Economic Issues 32(1):36-45. doi: 10.1007/s10834-010-9213-4