Migration Observatory Seminar – Felix Weinhardt (European University Viadrina), 22nd September 2021 at 12:00 – 13.15 (CET)

Felix Weinhardt (European University Viadrina):”Immigration and the Evolution of Local Cultural Norms“, jointly organised by Centro Studi Luca d’Agliano and Fondazione Collegio Carlo Alberto, 22nd September 2021 from 12:00 to 13.15 (CET) at Fondazione Collegio Carlo Alberto, Turin.

Abstract
We study the local evolution of cultural norms in West Germany in reaction to the sudden presence of East Germans who migrated to the West after reunification. These migrants grew up with very high rates of maternal employment, whereas West German families followed the traditional breadwinner-housewife model. We find that West German women increase their labor supply and that this holds within household. We provide additional evidence on stated gender norms, West-East friendships, intermarriage, and childcare infrastructure. The dynamic evolution of the local effects on labor supply is best explained by local cultural learning and endogenous childcare infrastructure.