Roots Across the Atlantic : Social Networks and Economic Outcomes from the Swedish Mass Migration to the United States, 1880-1920

The migration of large populations has had significant importance on historical and contemporary societies. Since mass migration is a multifaceted phenomenon that significantly impacts both places of origin and destination, shaping the lives of those directly and indirectly involved, it has drawn extensive research attention. Much of the economic history literature has focused on the Age of Mass Migration, particularly European emigration to the New World. Early studies primarily used aggregate data to explore migration dynamics concerning, the determinants of migration and the assimilation of immigrants in the receiving society. However, aggregate data many times can fall short of explaining migration dynamics because it does not show the differences between groups of migrants. However, recent research utilizing micro-level data s enabled new research questions to be asked.This dissertation contributes to the existing literature by exploring the migration of Swedish immigrants to the US during the peak years of emigration. It utilizes newly digitized micro-level data and record-linking techniques to trace individuals from their parental households in Sweden to adulthood, whether they remained in Sweden or emigrated to the US. By comparing Swedish migrants with stayers of similar backgrounds, the research offers insights into the potential outcomes that male and female immigrants might have experienced had they remained in Sweden. Sweden, one of the countries with the highest sending country to the US, underwent significant transformation during this period, offering a valuable context for study. The dissertation specifically focuses on how family migration patterns affect the risks of emigration, as well as how was economic assimilation of immigrants. In four papers, this dissertation provides a view of key aspects of the Swedish emigration experience. Although the importance of family and friends encouraging migration was known, this dissertation shows evidence of how siblings, and even extended kin, who emigrated, increased the likelihood of relatives migrating. In addition, this study shows that both men and women benefitted greatly from the migration decision, with potentially even higher gains for women who worked in domestic service. Finally, it shows how migrant networks could have positive effects on the economic assimilation of recently arrived immigrants.