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ACTIVE LABOR MARKET PROGRAMS AND REGIONAL MOBILITY OF LABOR: EVIDENCE FROM THE SWEDISH RECESSION, 1994–1995
Author(s) -
NAKOSTEEN ROBERT A.,
WESTERLUND OLLE,
ZIMMER MICHAEL
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
contemporary economic policy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.454
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1465-7287
pISSN - 1074-3529
DOI - 10.1111/j.1465-7287.2011.00263.x
Subject(s) - economics , estimation , labour economics , simultaneous equations model , variable (mathematics) , survey of income and program participation , econometrics , labor mobility , specification , demographic economics , variables , endogeneity , recession , selection (genetic algorithm) , macroeconomics , statistics , mathematical analysis , mathematics , management , artificial intelligence , computer science
This paper addresses the impact of active labor market programs on interregional migration in Sweden. The purpose of the study is to determine the extent to which the programs, which provide training and labor market assistance to jobless individuals, induce participants to migrate. Analysis is based on data registers compiled in 1994 and 1995 by Statistics Sweden and the Labor Market Board of Sweden. The paper specifies and estimates a two‐equation model of participation and subsequent migration. The model, which is estimated by the method of maximum simulated likelihood, accounts for the role of program participation as an endogenous choice variable in the decision to migrate. In an attempt to capture the effect of migrant self‐selection, the estimation approach also controls for unobserved heterogeneity in the participation and migration equations. Results of the study indicate a significant positive impact of participation on subsequent mobility for males. This result is robust with respect to alternative specifications of the migration equation and alternative formulations of the model for program participation. For females, the evidence of program impacts is mixed and it appears to be sensitive to the statistical formulation of the model. ( JEL J38, J61)