Examining gender and ethnic segregation in Italy’s labour market: Are women and migrants more segregated than men and natives?

Abstract

In Italy, migration is a new phenomenon, with non-native women and men constituting roughly equal shares of the workforce. However, their employment sectors differ significantly: non-native women often work in the same sectors as native women, while non-native men are employed in distinct sectors compared to their native counterparts. This paper examines gender segregation by analysing individuals’ backgrounds—distinguishing between native and non-native workers—and the impact of contract types, specifically fixed-term versus open-ended contracts. The study aims to determine whether the prevalence of these contract types influences the level of gender segregation across sectors. Findings indicate that the type of employment contract significantly affects gender segregation. Increased use of fixed-term contracts is associated with a reduction in sectoral segregation, suggesting that women are increasingly willing to enter male-dominated fields, while men tend to gravitate towards female-dominated sectors. This dynamic underscores the complexities of gender roles within the context of migration and employment.