Social networks and emigration in Slovakia

Abstract

Given the increasing evidence of emigrants using social network for their job search and migration, the present study using a sample study of emigrants from Bardejov district in Slovakia, examines the individual characteristics of emigrants that uses social networks for job procurement in Slovakia. The study found that emigration from Bardejov district in Slovakia is predominantly of skilled category and includes a sizeable proportion of women and is different from the emigration patterns of developing countries. The study supports the hypothesis that social networks are more likely to be used migrants with low levels of education.

Keywords:

• job search
• social networks
• migration

JEL Codes:

• J23
• J61
• J64

Notes

1. All countries in the EU other than Ireland and the UK have implemented the Schengen agreement.

2. It was established on 1 January 1993 with the dissolution of the Czech-Slovak Federal Republic^.

3. The closing down of heavy weapons production led to the economic setback in Slovakia, which had been heavily dependent upon this part of military sector. By 1991, the value of the arms trade had fallen from US$8 billion to US$1 billion (UNIDO, 1992).

4. Push factors pertain to conditions that drive people to leave their homes, for instance, famine, lack of jobs and opportunities, civil wars, political fear and persecution, natural disasters, poor medical care, poor housing, slavery or pollution (Paerregaard, 2007).

5. Pull factors pertain to conditions that attract people to a new area, for instance, better jobs, better education, better medical care, political and religious freedoms, security or family links (Paerregaard, 2007).

6. Technical qualifications include trade and related skills.