MIGRATION IN MARKET AND DEMOCRACY TRANSITION - MIGRATION INTENTIONS AND BEHAVIOR IN ROMANIA

This paper analyzes the determinants of migration decision-making in t he context of recent market and democratic transition in Romania. Usin g early 1990s internal migration survey, census and population registe r data, the results from Lisrel path models show that market and democ racy value orientation variables are significant determinants of inten tions to move, controlling for individual and regional social structur al and resource indicators. Similarly, district-level out-migration be havior is directly determined by the political profile of the local ar ea. Results from the total and disaggregated rural and urban models ar e interpreted through a reform values and characteristics typology of migrants. At least in the early stages of Romanian transition, the res ults indicate that migration choice behavior is governed by a search f or places with greatest opportunities in terms of market and democracy returns. Implications of the results for political system and public policy decision are discussed.