Exploring the Intersection between Family Migration and Occupational Penalty: A Study of Migrant Women in the Italian Labour Market

This study investigates the penalization of immigrant women in Italy, with a focus on the impact of family migration dynamics. Using data from the Survey of Social Condition and Integration of Foreign Citizens (SCIF), the results confirm that migrant women experience an additional penalty compared to men and that family migration dynamics play a significant role in determining their employment opportunities. In particular, women who migrate with their husbands or after their husbands have fewer job prospects than those who migrate alone or before their husbands. The negative impact of tied migration is most pronounced among women from Middle Eastern countries, where it affects their employability, the quality of their work, and their position in the occupational structure. Overall, this study sheds light on the complexities of the challenges faced by migrant women in Italy and highlights the importance of considering family migration dynamics in addressing these challenges.