Migration Behavior of Youth in the Omsk Region: Reasons, Factors, Prospects

Abstract

The problem of the preconditions for the migration activity of Omsk youth is posed. Possible causes of migration risks and factors determining them are discussed. Attention is paid to external, economic, and internal, psychological factors in order to determine possible ways to manage migration risks. Objectives of the study: to determine the emotional assessment of the city and the connection between migration attitudes of young people and attachment and identification with it; identify the main reasons for migration from Omsk, establish differences in the career orientations of students with different levels of migration attitudes; determine the necessary living conditions of the city to radically change the migration situation in it. Thanks to qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (testing and questionnaires) methods on a sample of 416 people with different socio-demographic characteristics, the reasons for migration behavior were analyzed and an analysis of “push” and “retaining” factors was carried out. It has been established that when young people emotionally assess the city, positive connotations dominate, but young people more often place Omsk on the time scale closer to the concept of “past” rather than “future.” Thus, the reasons for real migration behavior are the perception of the lack of prospects associated with development in the city, and the accompanying dissatisfaction with the economic, educational and career conditions that exist in it. Factors that reduce the level of expression of migration attitudes are high identification with the city, a sense of belonging to it, planning for a future associated with the city, and career orientation towards stability of place of residence. Factors that increase the desire to migrate are a career orientation toward autonomy at work and a poorly developed urban identity.