Migrant selectivity in risk orientation and language proficiency: A comparative study of recent refugees and other immigrants in Germany

Classical notions suggest that immigrants tend to be more risk-taking than those who remain in their country of origin, but conditions of forced migration may limit this selectivity. Identifying systematic personality differences between refugees and other immigrants is crucial, as traits such as risk orientation may contribute to differences in integration behavior. This study investigates selectivity in risk orientation among refugees from the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees in Germany and other immigrants from the IAB-SOEP Migration Sample, and examines its role in language acquisition through growth curve models. The selectivity measures are based on data from the World Values Survey for the population in immigrants’ countries of origin. The findings show no systematic differences in selectivity in risk orientation by migration motive; instead, the degree of selectivity varies by country of origin. In terms of language proficiency growth, the longitudinal findings indicate that individuals selected in risk-taking demonstrate greater improvements in language skills, as increased exposure to German through daily interactions, language courses, and labor market participation accumulates throughout their stay in the receiving country.