Labour market trajectories and gender disparities among immigrants and their descendants: a comparative analysis of Italy and Spain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71014/sieds.v80i1.546Keywords:
gender, labour market, descendant, immigrants, Italy, Spain, EU-LFSAbstract
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.
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