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Highly skilled, yet invisible. The potential of migrant women with a STEMM background in Italy between intersectional barriers and resources

Author

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  • Daniela Bolzani
  • Francesca Crivellaro
  • Rosa Grimaldi

Abstract

Despite increasing numbers of vacancies for highly skilled jobs in innovative sectors of the economy, highly skilled migrants are often discriminated against despite their qualifications. This discrimination represents a relevant issue, especially for women with a background in male‐dominated and highly regulated fields, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). We draw on qualitative data collected in Northern Italy from in‐depth interviews and focus groups with women from different countries and STEMM qualifications. Adopting an intersectionality approach, we illuminate the macro‐, organizational‐, and individual‐level barriers that prevent highly skilled migrant women from finding a job that measures up to their qualification level and sector, and we highlight the resources available to them to overcome these barriers. By emphasizing the intersectional ties of being a woman, a migrant, and a STEMM professional, we identify relevant areas for policy intervention to valorize migration in support of innovation and labor outcomes in Italy and in other countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Bolzani & Francesca Crivellaro & Rosa Grimaldi, 2021. "Highly skilled, yet invisible. The potential of migrant women with a STEMM background in Italy between intersectional barriers and resources," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(6), pages 2132-2157, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:28:y:2021:i:6:p:2132-2157
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12719
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    Cited by:

    1. Mukhammadyusuf Shaymardanov & Suvi Heikkinen & Anna-Maija Lämsä, 2023. "Social Networks of Women in Organizations: Evolution of Research and Future Research Agenda," South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, , vol. 12(1), pages 97-112, April.
    2. Daniela Aliberti & Rita Bissola & Barbara Imperatori, 2024. "Don’t Rock the Boat: The Social-symbolic Work to Confront Ethnic Discrimination in Branches of Professional Service Firms," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 194(2), pages 251-274, October.
    3. Hamis Miraji ALLY SIMBA & Hakan GUNES, 2023. "Causal Relationship Between Female Labor Force Participation Rate and Total Fertility Rate: An Empirical Evidence from Mena Countries," Journal of Economic Policy Researches, Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 10(1), pages 303-316, January.
    4. Fatemeh Hamedanian, 2022. "Access to the European Labor Market for Immigrant Women in the Wake of the COVID Pandemic," World, MDPI, vol. 3(4), pages 1-22, November.
    5. Kamini Gupta & Hari Bapuji, 2024. "‘Migration Under the Glow of Privilege’—Unpacking Privilege and Its Effect on the Migration Experience," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 194(4), pages 753-773, November.

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