Ebook: German Professionals in the United States : A Gendered Analysis of the Migration Decision of Highly Skilled Families

Eich-Krohm examines the stay/return decision of highly skilled migrants in the context of globalization and brain drain vs. brain circulation. Economic reasons are considered the main factor for professionals to move with limited influence by the spouses, the tied migrants. The analysis of qualitative interviews with 38 German families who moved temporary to the United States show that the interests of the spouse, cultural curiosity about a global world, and the work itself are equally important to economic gains. Women’s progress in education and paid work, have changed the role of the tied migrant and its influence on the settlement or return decision.