The contextual cogs of “migrant jobs”: A comparative study of the institutional determinants of migrant marginalization in European labor markets

Abstract

Migrants play a significant role in European labor markets and are used as sources of “cheap labor”; often being disproportionately represented in low-wage, poor conditions, or otherwise precarious positions. Past research has suggested that the process of migrants being filtered into these low-end occupations is linked to institutional factors in receiving countries such as immigration policy, the welfare state and employment regulation. This paper calculates the extent of migrant marginalization in 17 European countries and uses qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and regression modeling to understand how institutional factors operate and interact, leading to migrant marginalization. The QCA showed that when a country with a prominent low skills sector and restrictive immigration policy is combined with either strong employment protection legislation or a developed welfare state, migrants will be more strongly marginalized on the labor market. The results of the statistical analysis largely aligned with the idea that restrictive immigrant policy by itself and in combination with other factors can increase marginalization.

Labour Migration of Third-Country Nationals to Lithuania: Recent Trends and Social Policy Responses

“…Studies have found that immigrants of non-Western ethnicity are overrepresented in low-skilled and precarious jobs, whereas immigrants of Western ethnicity are more likely to have highly skilled and secure jobs (Muñoz-Comet, 2016;King, 2022). Other studies highlight the role of ethnic networks, discrimination and cultural capital in shaping migrant employment trajectories and outcomes (Bisin et al, 2011;Constant, 2014;Demireva, Zwysen, 2021;Guzi 2021).…”

“…These studies highlight the importance of understanding the complex interplay between ethnicity, labour market institutions and migration policy in shaping the experience of third-country nationals in Europe. For example, a comparative study showed that immigrants are more likely to be employed in low-skilled jobs when a country with a prominent low-skilled sector and a restrictive immigration policy is combined with strong employment protection or a high degree of unionisation (King, 2022).…”

Barriers and facilitators to utilizing HIV prevention and treatment services among migrant youth globally: A scoping review

“…Migrant youth face unique challenges related to migration as they adjust to a new environment during a period of life marked by transformative personal development. Their heightened vulnerability due to their age results in an increased risk of exploitation, violence, and unsafe employment when compared to non-migrant youth and older migrants [22][23][24]. Traumatic experiences associated with migration and a loss of support systems make migrant youth more susceptible to xenophobic and discriminatory treatment, leading to worse mental health outcomes [25][26][27].…”