Socio-labour conditions and social integration of Spanish women and men in Germany and England

Abstract

This study analyses the characteristics of the migration process of Spanish people who have migrated to Germany and England, with particular attention to the host country and gender. This includes socio-labour conditions and social integration, as well as other factors that explain the extent of their social integration. The sample is composed of 603 Spanish people who migrated to either Germany (237) or England (366). The results suggest that the employment situation improved after migration and that social integration was good, although the migration process was slightly more difficult in Germany. Women were in worse socio-labour conditions but showed more integration strategies than men. The most important explanatory factors for the social integration of the Spanish migrant population were perceived cultural proximity, the size of the close social network and a reduced need for social support.