Determinants of Employability in the EU: The Role of majority Attitudes and Perceptions Toward Roma Communities

Abstract This study explores the factors affecting employability among the general population within the European Union by analysing how socio-demographic traits, household situations, and mainstream attitudes towards Roma communities influence labour market outcomes. Using microdata from Eurobarometer 91.4 (2019), the analysis incorporates descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, and binary logistic regression, complemented by probit regression and linear discriminant analysis as robustness checks.Findings show that older individuals, married respondents, and those in larger households are more likely to be employed, while financial hardships, rural living, and early career changes decrease these chances. Gender disparities still favour men. Attitudinal factors also play a significant role: limited contact with Roma people, low awareness of Roma in schools, and uncertainty about discrimination are linked to poorer employment prospects, whereas integrated labour market participants exhibit higher social distance regarding minority political representation, suggesting a complex socio-political cleavage. The study concludes that labour-market integration depends not only on structural elements but also on social visibility and intergroup familiarity, highlighting the need for policies that address both economic barriers and societal perceptions within the majority population.