The Influence of Psychic Costs on Rural‐Urban Migration
测量了阿巴拉契亚移民在两个城市地区的心理成本，发现心理成本随目的地城市规模、移民人口特征及对工作、城市服务和人际关系的满意度而变化，并指出降低心理成本的流动有助于社会福利但未被国民经济核算衡量。
Abstract Psychic costs reflect differences in interregional utility, an important determinant of population among regions. Following Sjaastad's definition of psychic costs, the consumer surplus foregone by Appalachian migrants in two urban areas was measured as the difference between current urban income and an acceptable income level in eastern Kentucky. Psychic costs varied significantly with the size of the city of destination; migrants' demographic characteristics; and their satisfaction with jobs, city services, and interpersonal relationships in the city. Mobility which reduces psychic costs contributes to social well‐being but will not be measured in national economic accounts.