Gender, Migration and Origin: An Intersectional Analysis of Neets with a Migratory Background in Italy

Alessia de Vito , Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
Alessandra Di Bello, University of Florence and University of Naples "Federico II"
Alessio Buonomo, University of Naples Federico II
Giuseppe Gabrielli, University of Naples Federico II
Salvatore Strozza, University of Naples Federico II

Across Europe, young people with migrant origins face persistent barriers to education and employment (Gabrielli & Impicciatore, 2021). Italy represents a critical case, combining high NEET rates with strong regional and gender divides. Previous research has examined immigrants’ labour market integration, highlighting structural disadvantages such as occupational segregation, concentration in low-paid jobs, and limited upward mobility (Panichella et al., 2021), yet little is known about the risk of disengagement from education and work among youth with migratory backgrounds. This gap is particularly relevant for the descendants of immigrants, who are now reaching adulthood and entering the labour market. Drawing on the FOLCSI Survey (2024), the study provides unique micro-level evidence on 12,608 adults with a migratory background in four Italian regions. The data allows a detailed distinction between first-generation immigrants and their descendants, as well as an analysis of how their positions in education and the labour market differ by gender and origin. We use logistic regression models to explore the determinants of NEET status through an intersectional lens, considering how gender, migratory generation, and origin interact with socio-economic resources, family composition, and social-relational factors such as perceived discrimination and access to support networks. We expect that family-related factors will weigh more heavily on women, especially first-generation migrants, reflecting the influence of care responsibilities and gendered norms, whereas social and relational factors will play a larger role among men. Among the second generation, human capital, parental resources, and social support are anticipated to emerge as key protective factors against disengagement.

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 Presented in Session 101. Intersectional Approaches to Migrant Populations