Details
- Publication date
- 4 July 2016
- Author
- European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE)
- Geographical scope
- European Union
- Level of education focus
- Adult education
- Higher education
- School education
- Thematic areas covered
- Education-to-work transitions, education and labour market
- Educational attainment and participation in education
- Governance of education
- Monitoring and quality assurance
- Quality and inclusive education for all
- Skills development
Description
This report by Brunello and De Paola critically examines how first and second generation immigrants are defined and measured in economic and statistical literature.
It highlights the complexity and heterogeneity within these groups, influenced by factors like age of arrival, parental origin, and citizenship status. The study discusses more nuanced classifications such as the “1.25”, “1.5”, and “1.75” generations. It emphasizes the importance of collecting comprehensive data—such as place of birth, parental origin, and language proficiency—to support effective policy and integration analysis.
Currently, data limitations across European countries hinder such detailed categorizations. The report reviews major data sources like EU-LFS, EU-SILC, and PIAAC, noting their respective strengths and weaknesses in capturing immigrant-related variables.
It concludes by advocating for better, harmonized data to inform policy and understand integration outcomes across generations.
Authors
Giorgio Brunello and Maria De Paola
Cite as
Giorgio Brunello, Maria De Paola (2016). 'First / Second Generation Immigrants – Background and Assessment', EENEE Ad hoc Report 3, 2016
