Does the Socialization of Young Russian Academics Foster Migration?

Abstract

Many Russian scientists left their country when the Soviet Union collapsed, as migration to them meant an option to improve living standard and professional career. Which socio-demographic attributes describe young Russian academics today who want to study or conduct research abroad? Which values or attitudes are of importance to them? On base of two representative questionnaires, socio-demographical characteristics, motivations to migrate, as well as countries of destinations were evaluated among 500 Russian academics, who had studied or conducted research in Germany. The results of those interviews permitted to distinguish types of migrants, deliver new insights into the processes of migration and explain why highly qualified Russians migrate. The study shows correlations between socialisation of interviewees and its impact on future decisions to migrate.