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Does Mobility Across Europe Enhance or Impede Citizenship?

Yvonne Galligan
Queen's University Belfast
Yvonne Galligan
Queen's University Belfast

Abstract

This paper takes a close look at data on patterns of mobility across Europe to determine whether mobility enhances or impedes the civic engagement of women and men. Mobility constitutes not only a fundamental part of the EU citizens’ rights, but it can also contribute to improving inclusive citizenship programmes and policies. Our analysis reveals gender disparities in mobility linked to age and work patterns. Women are less motivated for mobility, due to language difficulties, lack of information about adequate work opportunities related to qualification as well as lack of measures on work and family balance. Among younger generations gender disparities in mobility are not significant. Women working as cross-border workers are occupied in less qualified jobs and are more demanded in care work areas, particularly in Eastern European Member States. These factors should be taken into account for the development of effective gender related policies on mobility in Europe.