Resumen de Gendered Rural Labour Markets and Intent to Migrate — A Case Study in Northwestern Germany

Kim Philip Schumacher, Alexander Kunz

• Internal migration is the most important factor for regional population development, especially in Germany. Besides east-(south)west migration, rural-urban migration plays a significant role and is discussed in media, politics and science. Due to the magnitude of east-west migration, population development in rural regions of western Germany is somewhat neglected in geographical research. It applies in particular to studies of the out-migration of young people and especially that of young women. This chapter calls for a greater attention towards internal migration, particularly of highly skilled people, and its relevance for the regional development of rural areas in eastern and western Germany. It includes a broader understanding of gendered migration patterns and the underlying economic and societal factors. Statistical analysis and the research presented in this chapter clearly demonstrate that non-prosperous rural areas in western Germany are also affected by selective migration. The population statistics of rural regions in the federal state of Lower Saxony in northwestern Germany provide interesting insights into this development; they show a population decline due to outmigration even though they are close to prosperous rural regions with growing economies, vital labour markets and with a growing population due to high birth rates and in-migration.