The last decade of the twentieth century Greece was transformed from a traditional migrantsending country to a receiver of migrants. One of the drivers of migrant inflows were parental aspirations for a better future for their children. Two decades on, youth of migrant origin, whether they were born in Greece or arrived at an early age, have begun the transition from school to work. The moment has therefore come to investigate the trajectories of this “second generation” in the Greek educational system and the labour market. The successful integration of youth of migrant origin is crucial for Greek economy and society, given that they account for approximately 10% of the population of Greece aged 15-29.
The goal of the study at hand is precisely to investigate the trajectories of youth of migrant origin. Statistical data and econometrics are used to examine the similarities and differences between various groups of migrant origin and compare them with native youth. Similar studies in other countries of the European Union have ascertained important differences in the trajectories followed by youth of migrant and native origin, leading to the development of policies aiming to successfully integrate youth of migrant origin.
The findings of the present study reveal the large gap between youth of migrant and native origin. They further reveal the importance of gender, ethnicity and country of origin for educational and labour market outcomes. Indicatively, young co-ethnic migrant men (“palinnostountes”) differ markedly from other men of migrant origin, exhibiting lower labour market participation rates that are similar to those of young native men. At the same time, noteworthy differences are ascertained within specific groups of origin according to gender, such as that observed of Albanian nationals: the young men of this group present the highest probability of labour market participation of all groups of young men, while young Albanian women present one of the lowest probabilities when compared to young women of other origins. The observed differences are undoubtedly due in part to institutional and cultural factors.
The important differences found among young natives, young co-ethnic natives (“palinnostountes”) and young migrants of other origin point to the need for policies which will overcome the barriers blocking the successful integration of migrant-origin youth in the educational system and the labour market. Given however the present economic crisis and high levels of unemployment, which have intensified the problems faced not only by youth of migrant origin but also by native youth, it appears that the road to the successful economic and social integration of youth of migrant origin will be strewn with difficulties.