Urban Economic Specialization and Women's integration into the Labour Market in 11 European Cities

This chapter identifies some urban economy patterns in Europe, highlighting the effects of local production systems on the women’s integration into the labour market and, conversely, the impact of the participation of women on the competitiveness of the local economy. In particular the aim is to focus on how the economic specialization of a city affects both the quantity and the quality of jobs available to women. This is an innovative comparative analysis for Europe at the urban level. The chapter first investigates how some features of urban economic specialization (for example, manufacturing, services, agriculture and construction) advantage or disadvantage women’s employment. The second question is related to the process of horizontal segregation of women in the labour market. Finally, the chapter focuses on the effects of the current economic crisis on women’s employment and some future perspectives.