Education and employment in Italy of the cohort of adults born in 1954-58: an analysis from 1993 to 2009

The article concerns the return of education in Italy, assessed through labour market participation and occupation of people born in the cohort 1954-1958. The changes in time are analysed in the years 1993-2009, that is since the transition from school to work has been definitely ended (35-40 age group) until before retirement (50-55 age group). We will show that the relationship between education and employment is rather complex, varies over time and space, and features significant gender-based differences. In terms of employability and occupation, the advantage of a high level of education is relatively greater for those who occupy a more disadvantaged position in the labour market (women and those who live in the least dynamic areas of Italy).