Description:
What is the effect of migration and diversity on cultural change and social conflict? In this course, we will examine how international and regional migration shapes not only economic and cultural dynamics but also social and political tensions within both destination and origin countries. Synthesizing findings from seminal studies in the field and analyzing their empirical strategies, we will identify and critically evaluate the channels through which migration can alter values, norms, political preferences, and contribute to conflicts over identity, resources, and power. A key focus will be on how migration or ethnic diversity can exacerbate or mitigate conflicts, exploring the role of factors like economic competition, cultural assimilation, and political representation in shaping host society responses to new migrants. We will analyze empirical methods used to assess these dynamics, including instrumental variable methods, differences-in-differences, regression discontinuity design, and other strategies to rigorously assess causality. Through in-depth critiques and replications of recent papers, students will develop skills to assess research quality and relevance by preparing referee reports and conducting comparative analyses. Special attention will be given to case studies of migration-related conflicts, providing students with practical examples of how conflict emerges or is resolved in contexts of significant demographic change. This course is co-taught with Prof. Anselm Hager. #BIM Berliner Institut für empirische Integrations- und Migrationsforschung
Learning objectives:
Students gain knowledge of recent advances in migration economics, particularly applied empirical analyses in the intersection of migration, economic development, political economy and labor economics with a focus on migration based changes in preferences, norms, and values in host and home communities. They are able to critically evaluate research on these topics and assess strengths and weaknesses of causal claims in economics papers. Students are equipped to present papers in an academic setting and replicate seminal papers. The students are able to identify gaps in the literature and develop research proposals that are empirically sound and add to the body of work in migration economics and political economy in a meaningful way.
Literature:
Reading list will be provided.
Time & venue:
Tuesdays, 16:00-20:00; HU Berlin, Spandauer Str. 1, room 22
Exam:
Portfolio exam: The first assignment is to draft referee reports for several research papers (each about 500 words). The second assignment is to give one or several presentations on one research paper, a paper critique, as well as an empirical replication of a seminal paper. The third assignment is to draft an original research proposal (about 2,500 words). The final grade will be given/ will be awarded for the portfolio of all three assignments.
Please note the binding exam registration already until 25.04.2025.
More information can be found on Moodle.
