Path-Dependencies in Employment Trajectories Around Motherhood: Comparing Native Versus Second-Generation Migrant Women in Belgium

Abstract A sizeable body of literature has shown that the migrant-native employment gap is larger among women with children than childless women, suggesting transition to parenthood a stronger impact on trajectories migrant origin compared those native women. However, due limited use longitudinal data, our understanding mechanisms generating differential around remains limited. This study adopts life course perspective address path-dependencies in motherhood. Using data and fixed-effects models compare within-individual changes contractual working hours between natives second-generation migrants Southern European Turkish or Moroccan Belgium, we find no differentials low rates before birth their first child only medium high parenthood. indicates there strong path-dependency for alike, but generally have lower pre-birth labour market attachment which accounts frequently observed maternal employment.