MYMOVE · Migrant youth mobility in Europe: patterns, processes and consequences

Although many immigrant children are more likely to move within the country of settlement than native born youth, little is known on the potential effects of this so called internal mobility. When does childhood internal mobility have negative consequences on an individual’s life? Are there differences in processes and consequences for those of immigrant and non-immigrant background? Do the number of moves or the reason for moving make a difference? Is the age at which moving takes place decisive and is distance relevant? Despite the fact that moving is a major stress-inducing life event, so far little is known on the potential consequences of childhood internal mobility for people of diverse immigrant origins. Given Europe’s diverse population and immigration being the key factor in population change, it is crucial to understand if, how and for whom childhood internal mobility matters. The main objective of the MYMOVE project is to advance knowledge on the relationship between childhood internal mobility and adult life chances as defined by demographic family life choices, health and well-being for those with and without immigrant background. The project makes five innovative contributions to the so far scattered literature. It will 1) comprehensively map childhood internal mobility patterns; 2) study its mid- and long-term consequences for diverse immigrant groups and the native-born; 3) cover two key outcomes that are crucial in the individual life path (demographic family behaviour and health and well-being); 4) simultaneously study different dimensions of internal mobility (number, reason, timing, distance), and 5), distinguish three levels of influence that may moderate the effect of internal mobility (the neighbourhood of origin and destination, family background, and individual characteristics). The MYMOVE project will break new ground by using unique and new longitudinal (full-) population register and survey panel data from across Europe.