02197nas a2200253 4500008004100000022001400041245016900055210006900224300001000293490000700303520124400310653001201554653001601566653003301582653002601615653002001641100002401661700002001685700002101705700002801726700004001754700001701794856013201811 2022 eng d a2300-168200aReflections on the Emigration Aspirations of Young, Educated People in Small Balkan Countries: A Qualitative Analysis of Reasons to Leave or Stay in North Macedonia0 aReflections on the Emigration Aspirations of Young Educated Peop a65-840 v113 a

For small, low-to-middle-income countries such as North Macedonia, the prospect of young, educated people leaving their place of residence (i.e. emigrating) can have significant negative societal-level effects. Understanding the complexity of the brain-drain phenomenon and its antecedents is critical to developing multi-level (i.e. global, societal and individual) strategic solutions. A qualitative analysis of several focus-group interviews was used to understand young, educated residents’ reasons either for emigrating or for remaining in North Macedonia. Two overarching themes served to organise the participant-identified drivers for emigration and those opposed to it. Three sub-themes emerged describing the factors for emigration: 1) a lack of professional opportunities, 2) institutional systems, and 3) cultural tightness. Likewise, three sub-themes emerged describing the factors for staying: 1) community, 2) culture and 3) social responsibility. Insights serve to contextualise some of the experiences of young, educated people in small, low-to-middle-income, countries which impact on their emigration decisions.

 

10aBalkans10abrain drain10aemigration-decision conflict10amigration aspirations10aNorth Macedonia1 aParker, Kimberly, A1 aHester, Erin, B1 aGeegan, Sarah, A1 aCiunova-Shuleska, Anita1 aPalamidovska-Sterjadovska, Nikolina1 aIvanov, Bobi uhttps://www.ceemr.uw.edu.pl/content/reflections-emigration-aspirations-young-educated-people-small-balkan-countries-qualitative