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

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.