Migration Decisions in Arctic Alaska: Empirical Evidence of the Stepping Stones Hypothesis

• DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.1729219
• Publication Date: 2012-01-05T13:37:06Z
• Authors: E. Lance Howe; Lee Huskey
• Keywords: Stepping stone; Empirical evidence

This paper explores hypotheses of hierarchical migration using data from the Alaskan Arctic. We focus on Iñupiat people, who are indigenous to region, and explore role income, harvests subsistence resources, other place characteristics in decisions. To test related we use confidential micro-data US Census Bureau’s 2000 Decennial Population Income. Using predicted earnings along with invariant generate probabilities a mixed multinomial conditional logit model. Our results support stepwise patterns, both up down an urban rural hierarchy. At same time, also identify differences between men women, find effects amenities earnings.