Comparing Central American, Mexican, Caribbean and South American Women Migrants to Italy

Abstract Women represent the majority of migrants from Latin America to Southern Europe. Through interviews with Latin American women who had migrated to Italy, the author found strong regional contrasts between those from Mexico / Central America and those from South America regarding their economic circumstances, the level of education they had attained, and their employment histories in their countries of origin. The interviewees from South America had mostly come from more advantaged backgrounds than had those from Mexico / Central America. Yet, once in Italy, almost all of them were relegated to employment in caring for that country’s elders, children, and homes. They also experienced discrimination and had to support increasing numbers of family members back home. Nonetheless, Italy remains a key destination for Latin American immigrants.