Labour market trajectories and gender disparities among immigrants and their descendants: a comparative analysis of Italy and Spain

Abstract

In recent decades, Southern European Countries, such as Italy and Spain, became destinations where immigrants have had permanent settlement patterns, including family reunification and formation. As a result, these countries now face the dual challenge of integrating first-generation immigrants and supporting the labour market inclusion of their children. This study examines gender and generational inequalities in labour market outcomes using 2021 EU-LFS data. The analysis focuses on young adults, distinguishing between natives, first-generation immigrants, and the children of immigrants. Particular attention is given to access to high-skilled employment and to gender disparities within and between origin groups. The results reveal both similarities and differences between the Italian and Spanish contexts. In Italy, access to high-skilled careers varies by migrant generation, with significant differences also based on gender, revealing a double disadvantage linked to both migration background and gender. In Spain, children of immigrants do not show major labour market gaps, and gender disparities are less marked, although first-generation immigrant women remain disadvantaged. These findings highlight how national context and gender intersect to shape labour market integration across generations.