Exploring the nexus between transit-based job accessibility and labor market outcomes among marital immigrants

Abstract

Foreign spouses often face disadvantages which may directly impede their ability to gain and retain employment. This research investigates the role of transit-based job accessibility in overcoming employment barriers among marital immigrants in Taiwan. Leveraging government survey data, we develop multilevel econometric models to disentangle the differential impact of job accessibility on labor market outcomes across metropolitan (Taichung City) and regional (Central Taiwan) settings. We find that better transit-based job accessibility positively influences the employment status and likelihood of above-minimum-wage earnings among foreign spouses in Taichung City. In Central Taiwan, better accessibility is associated with higher income and an increased likelihood of above-minimum-wage earnings. These results challenge the notion that improving accessibility offers a silver bullet to tackle all issues related to social equity. Instead, we highlight the necessity of targeted interventions to address the multifaceted needs of marital immigrants, with implications aimed at fostering economic integration and social inclusion.