Migration and the Transition to Adulthood in Contemporary Malawi

Abstract

This article investigates the relationship among major life events, household characteristics, and migration among adolescents and young adults in contemporary Malawi. Two main questions are investigated: What are the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of migration? and How do schooling, first marriage, and work relate to migration patterns? The study uses panel data collected from a survey designed specifically to explore socioeconomic and demographic aspects of youths’ transitions to adulthood. Respondents were tracked when they moved. Moves are not uncommon, and the predominant reasons for moves are noneconomic. Although historically ethnic traditions in this area have held that girls and women usually do not move upon marrying, young women are now more likely to move than young men, with marriage being a main reason for doing so. Closer ties to the head of the household are associated with less movement for both women and men.