Composition of Ukrainian households under forced migration and its impact on livelihood opportunities at early stage of stay in Krakow

Abstract

In this study, we analyze the changes in the composition of Ukrainian households participating in mass migration to Krakow, Poland, at the onset of the war and verify the significance of their newly formed composition for their financial situation abroad. For this purpose, we utilize household-level data and statistical inference methods. The findings reveal that the decisions to leave the home country were often associated with separation, not only from life partners but also from elderly members of the households. We confirm the significance of the presence of specific household members, such as life partners, other adults, and children, for households opportunities and limitations in the host country. We recognize households with seniors as having the most challenging financial situation. Conversely, singles and households with adults other than life partners are found to have the highest degree of self-reliance due to their access to private financial resources and social networks. Migrating couples tended to rely on public assistance but were determined to find employment. Households with children were found to be dependent on diverse forms of public assistance and showed less interest in gainful employment but open to social integration.