Volume 17 - Article 24 | Pages 705-740

The impact of origin region and internal migration on Italian fertility

By Giuseppe Gabrielli, Anna Paterno, Michael J. White


Date received:	23 Jan 2007
Date published:	20 Dec 2007
Word count:	9117
Keywords:	adaptations, event history analysis, fertility, international migration, selection
DOI:	10.4054/DemRes.2007.17.24

Abstract

We examine the impact of population distribution on fertility in a nationally representative sample. We exploit detailed life-history data to conduct an event-history analysis of transition to first birth, examining mechanisms that might link migration and fertility: socialization, adaptation, selection, and disruption. Our multivariate analysis examines various socio-demographic traits, the place of birth, and interregional migration. Differences by region and migration stream are partly explained by compositional factors, such as female employment, union type, and education. The analysis presents much evidence for demographic selection and socialization and less for adaptation or disruption. The persistence of the region of origin differentials points to the continuing importance of the context.

Author's Affiliation

Giuseppe Gabrielli - University of Bari, Italy [Email]
Anna Paterno - University of Bari, Italy [Email]
Michael J. White - Brown University, United States of America [Email]