Network Effect in International Migration: Does Education Matter More than Gender?

In this paper, we analyze the impact that networks have on the structure of international
migration flows. In particular, we investigate whether diaspora externalities are different
across education levels and gender. Using new data that include both dimensions, we analyze
the respective impact that networks have on the proportion of each category of migrant.
Therefore, in contrast to the preceding body of literature on the macro determinants of
international migration, we can identify the factors that influence the selection in terms of
skills and in terms of gender. We find that network effects vary by education level, but not
by gender.