Around the world for a better life: job satisfaction and social inclusion of migrants in Southern Italy

Purpose The present study explores the link between job satisfaction and social integration among immigrants in the province of Foggia, Southern Italy. Design/methodology/approach The analysis relies on an original dataset collected through surveys administered to migrants. After identifying the determinants of job satisfaction and integration separately, a recursive system of equations was estimated through the conditional mixed process approach to capture the causal interaction between the two dimensions. Findings The results reveal a complex interaction between job satisfaction and social integration: while greater integration led to lower tolerance for poor working conditions, improved job satisfaction enhanced the perception of social inclusion. Originality/value The study is the first to examine the bidirectional relationship between job satisfaction and social integration among migrants using original microdata.