Migration is directly linked to individuals' life courses. Previous studies in Italy have shown that family models are strongly associated with the country of citizenship, which in turn is related to gender. This research aims to build on previous studies by examining the similarities and differences in the timing of international migration, union formation, and acquisition of Italian citizenship across the origins and gender of migrants. By adding the effect of age, we can shed further light on how the sequence of these transitions differs and evolves between migrants under and over 50 years old. We use unique data derived from the Survey on 'Formation, Employment, Care Work and Health of Immigrants and Persons with a Migratory Background in Italy' (FOLSCI, Italian acronym), which is based on a representative sample of around 12,600 adult individuals of foreign origin residing in Lombardy, Lazio, Campania and Apulia. As the survey oversampled older migrants, our analysis of family trajectories can be further distinguished between migrants under and over 50 years old. Additionally, for the first time in Italy, it is possible to use country of birth instead of nationality to identify differences in migrants' origins. We apply sequence analysis techniques to distinguish between possible states resulting from the combination of the considered events. Finally, we run a series of multinomial regression models to determine how different family trajectories relate to individual characteristics and migratory projects.

Abstract

According to INPS data, in 2023 over 183,000 women from Eastern Europe were employed in Italy as caregivers, accounting for more than 44% of the workforce in this sector (Italian workers numbered just under 113,000). It is evident that the foreign presence in Italy from these countries has played a key role in managing the complex issue of population aging since the early 2000s. This paper aims to provide an overview of the integration processes of Eastern European women using an approach based on the integration of data from various sources with a longitudinal perspective. The study will focus—also through the use of regression models—on three phenomena of particular interest, with the purpose of better understanding possible future scenarios: the stability of their presence, marriage, and acquisition of citizenship. The first part of the study examines three different cohorts of arrivals , analyzing their propensity to settle in Italy and any changes in the reason for their residence permit, especially in cases where it transforms into a long-term permit. The second part will focus on marriages, linking marriage data with the issuance and type of permits. Finally, the study will investigate the acquisition of citizenship across the three cohorts. The specific characteristics of the different nationalities within the broader Eastern European region will also be analyzed. An important aspect will be understanding the relationship between the stability of residence, marriage, and citizenship acquisition.

Italy is one of the European countries of “new” migration, where work is a key element in the socio-economic integration of migrants. However, the Italian labour market is highly segmented and with a high prevalence of informal work. In this context, migrants often find employment but encounter significant obstacles in accessing skilled and stable positions. Employment outcomes are influenced by several factors, including gender, age, country of origin, reason for migration and migration project.
The study makes use of unique data derived from the 2024 FOLSCI (Italian acronym) Survey on “Formation, Employment, Care Work and Health of Immigrants and persons with migratory background in Italy”, with a representative sample of around 12,600 adult individuals of foreign origin (foreign immigrants and their immediate descendants regardless of citizenship and legal presence status at the time of interview) residing in Lombardy, Lazio, Campania, and Apulia.
Data analysis includes descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models to examine how various socio-demographic and migratory factors influence migrants' likelihood of obtaining first employment upon arrival in Italy.
Specifically, to measure which factors influence the likelihood of obtaining first employment upon arrival, a dichotomous dependent variable is created to distinguish between migrants who obtained first paid employment and those who did not. The study examines how variables such as gender, age at arrival, educational qualification, country of origin, reason for migration and migration intentions affect the probability of securing initial employment.
We expect that these factors play a significant role in shaping migrants’ chances of accessing initial employment upon arrival in Italy.

Over the past three decades, Italy has undergone profound socio-demographic shifts, including population ageing, declining birth rates, and increased migration. These changes have significantly impacted the sustainability of the welfare system, posing challenges to pensions, healthcare, and social services. Within this context, migrant populations—particularly migrant women—play a crucial role in sustaining essential sectors such as elderly care, domestic work, and childcare. However, despite their substantial contributions to Italian society, these women often experience precarious working conditions, social isolation, and restricted opportunities for civic and political engagement.
Despite the relevance of this issue, research on the social and political participation of migrant women in Italy remains scarce. In addressing this gap, the paper employs a mixed-methods approach to examine their engagement beyond the economic sphere. The quantitative analysis investigates the socio-demographic factors influencing political participation and intersectional inequalities, while the qualitative analysis explores everyday strategies for negotiating citizenship. The findings emphasise the central role of social capital in fostering inclusion, with associative participation serving as both a platform for socialisation and a space for exercising citizenship beyond legal constraints.
In light of these results, the paper underscores the need for policies that extend beyond economic integration, ensuring meaningful social and political participation for migrant women. As Italy faces mounting demographic challenges, the development of more inclusive and sustainable policies is imperative—not only to enhance equity and social cohesion but also to reinforce the resilience of its welfare system in an ageing society.