The impact of origin region and internal migration on Italian fertility

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. 1 Dipartimento per lo Studio delle Società Mediterranee, University ofi Bari, p.zza G. Cesare n.1, 70122 Bari, Italy. Tel:(+39) 080-5717547, Fax: (+39) 080-5717272. E-mail: [email protected] 2 Dipartimento per lo Studio delle Società Mediterranee, University of Bari, p.zza G. Cesare n.1, 70122 Bari, Italy. Tel:(+39) 080-5717547, Fax: (+39) 080-5717272. E-mail: [email protected] 3 Corresponding Author: Population Studies and Training Center, Brown University, Box 1836, Providence, RI 02912, USA. Tel: (401) 863-1083, Fax: (401) 863-3351. E-mail: [email protected] Gabrielli, Paterno & White: The impact of origin region and internal migration on Italian fertility 706 http://www.demographic-research.org