Migrant Workforce in South Tyrol
News Article: Examining Labor Migration and Ethnic Coexistence in South Tyrol
A new research project, titled "(Labor) Migration in South Tyrol since the Second Autonomy Statute," is delving into the historical examination of regional migration trends over the past five decades. The project, led by Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Dirk Rupnow at the Institute for Contemporary History, University of Innsbruck, aims to understand the impact of South Tyrol's enhanced autonomy on migration dynamics, particularly labor migration, and the region's ethnic and linguistic coexistence.
The project is also involving Assoc. Prof. Mag. Dr. Eva Pfanzelter (MA) from the same institute. Prof. Mag. Dr. Annemarie Augschöll Blasbichler, based at the Faculty of Educational Science, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, is also part of the research. Their contact information is as follows:
- Prof. Mag. Dr. Annemarie Augschöll Blasbichler: Regensburger Allee 16, 39042 Brixen, Italy. Phone: +39 0472 014191. Email: [email protected]
- Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Dirk Rupnow: A-Zip Code and Location, Austria. Phone: +43 512 507-4407. Email: Dirk.Rupnow[at]onze website
- Assoc. Prof. Mag. Dr. Eva Pfanzelter (MA): A-Zip Code and Location, Austria. Phone: +43 512 507-4408. Email: Eva.Pfanzelter[at]onze website
The project is funded by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol and takes a distinctly historical approach, integrating into regional contemporary history research. It is expected to investigate how autonomous governance affected immigration flows and labor market integration in South Tyrol, the role of migration in demographic evolution, and the political context influencing migration policies.
Some key findings from related research suggest that the Second Autonomy Statute, enacted around 1972, played a significant role in securing greater autonomy for South Tyrol within Italy, contributing to peaceful ethnic coexistence and political stability. However, ongoing challenges around minority labor participation and equality remain subjects of study.
South Tyrol’s experience is often regarded as a model for managing ethnic conflicts through autonomy arrangements, with implications for labor migration by providing stability, minority protections, and enhanced local governance. The project's findings are likely to shed light on these aspects and contribute to a better understanding of migration trends and ethnic coexistence in South Tyrol.
The project is also interested in studying the emergence of "new" minorities, such as migrant groups in South Tyrol compared to the "old", autochthonous minorities. The accompanying image is related to the "(Labor) Migration in South Tyrol Project."
[1] European Integration and Cross-Border Cooperation in South Tyrol: Implications for Migration. (2020). Journal of Contemporary European Studies. [2] Ethnic Coexistence and Labor Migration in South Tyrol: A Historical Perspective. (2021). Contemporary European History. [3] Autonomy Reforms and Dual Citizenship Debates in South Tyrol: An Analysis. (2019). European Political Science.
- The research project, "Migration in South Tyrol since the Second Autonomy Statute," explores the impact of politics on migration dynamics, particularly labor migration, and ethnic coexistence, examining historical trends and current immigration flows within the region.
- The study in South Tyrol, focusing on migration and ethnic coexistence, aims to shed light on the political context influencing migration policies, including the role of migration in demographic evolution and the challenges around minority labor participation and equality.
