Diverging destinies? A long-term outlook into women’s work and gender roles in Italy and Spain

This article analyzes how the social and economic transformations of the last two decades have shaped women's position in the work and family spheres in Italy and Spain. Although both countries are often considered to fit the profile of Southern European countries, the data analyzed reveal significantly different characteristics. Adopting a long-term perspective, we analyze the patterns of change in labor market indicators and attitudes toward gender roles during periods of economic growth, recession, and recovery. This allows us to identify the implications of these changes for women's socioeconomic integration patterns and gender equality issues in both countries. The findings reveal that diverging trends in Italy and Spain have placed these two countries in distinctly different positions. While Italy appears to be following a trajectory of continuity, with no notable changes in female labor market integration, Spain has experienced a fundamental shift away from the typical characteristics of the Southern European model. In this context, the 2008 economic recession acted as a catalyst for change in women's work and family roles.