Geographical Origin, Internal Migration and Labour Market Attainment: An Analysis of Employment Opportunities and Class Attainment Among Italian Men and Women

Abstract

This article examines how the uneven development of Southern and Northern Italian occupational structures influences the occupational outcomes of Southern, Northern and internal migrants. By employing a gender-sensitive approach and analysing the distribution of the effects of geographical mobility on occupational attainment over the life course, the study enhances understanding of the interplay between social and geographical factors contributing to social inequality. The findings reveal that the South–North dualism significantly affects employment opportunities, with Northern Italians enjoying substantial advantages, particularly among women. Contrary to international literature suggesting that internal migration benefits men but harms women, this study finds positive outcomes for both genders. However, while male internal migrants experience immediate employment returns in the labour market, increasing their chances of being in both the white-collar and working classes, female internal migrants integrate more gradually and face a higher likelihood of being employed in the working class.