BACKGROUND Growing economic uncertainty has become an intrinsic characteristic of contemporary globalized societies in which an increasing number of people are moving in and out of jobs that may give little meaning to their lives. Among other things, economic uncertainty may affect union formation practices. OBJECTIVE In this study we address the relationship between employment uncertainty and union formation in Italy. The country typifies a unique case-study in light of its familistic organization, but remains largely under-studied in this respect. METHODS We adopt a mixed-method approach. The qualitative analysis-conducted with focus group techniques-provided an in-depth understanding into the mechanisms of how job precariousness may affect individual perceptions and beliefs on union formation in Italy. The quantitative analysis-conducted through event-history techniques-verified how strong these mechanisms are at the population level. RESULTS The qualitative exploration allows us to advance the hypothesis-new for the Italian setting-that labor market uncertainty favors cohabitation while employment stability facilitates marriage. The subsequent quantitative analysis provided strong support for this hypothesis for the female population. For men, the largest contrast was found between any work and no work.
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the extent to which socio-demographic variables affect women’s satisfaction regarding antenatal and perinatal care.DesignTo take into account the role of the context in shaping women’s satisfaction, we used multilevel models, with women at the lower level, and the health districts of residence, or the hospitals in which the delivery took place, at the higher level.SettingTuscany (Italy)ParticipantsThe study is based on a representative survey focused on the satisfaction and experience of 4598 new mothers who gave birth in one of the 25 hospitals in Tuscany (Italy) in 2012.Main Outcome MeasuresWomen’s overall satisfaction in the prenatal period and their overall satisfaction during hospitalization for delivery.ResultsRegarding pregnancy, women’s satisfaction increased with age, and was generally higher among foreign women coming from non-Western countries and among highly educated women. Regarding delivery, age proved insignificant, whereas citizenship and education maintained the same association with satisfaction. Contrary to our expectations, the number of previous pregnancies turned out to be insignificant.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the quality of maternity services was perceived differently in different socio-demographic groups: women’s expectations affected satisfaction, but in different ways, in various socio-demographic groups, both during pregnancy and at delivery. Keeping these socio-demographic factors into account in the analysis of satisfaction may help organisations to identify areas where pregnancy and delivery services can be better targeted and where increasing awareness among professionals in their everyday practice is most needed.
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