D4 Published development or research report or study

Childhood Geographical Mobility's Role in Shaping Educational and Occupational Attainment by Age 30 in Finland




AuthorsMcMullin, Patricia; Karhula, Aleksi; Erola, Jani

PublisherCenter for Open Science

Publication year2025

Series titleINVEST Working Papers

Number in series130

eISSN2737-0534

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/v4d3t_v1

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/v4d3t_v1


Abstract

This study investigates childhood geographical mobility and its effect on educational and early career outcomes in Finland. Through using population register data, it analyzes migration histories of individuals born from 1987 to 1990, tracking their outcomes until ages 30-33. Findings reveal that frequent relocations during school years often correlate with lower educational attainment—particularly pronounced for those moving multiple times. Notably, the adverse effects of mobility are somewhat attenuated when considering family circumstances prior to school-age and concurrent life-course events. Furthermore, the study critically examines potential implications for occupational attainment. While initial findings disclose negative associations, these adverse effects are reversed when controlling for concurrent events and individual’s highest educational level. This research thus provides new avenues to understand how geographical mobility in childhood can influence educational and professional trajectories.



Last updated on 04/02/2026 09:21:02 AM