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First generation non-western immigrant women more competitive than Dutch women

Recommendations to unlock untapped labor potential

Women from non-Western immigration backgrounds appear to be more competitive than their Dutch gender counterparts. Competitiveness is particularly higher among women who come from countries where gender inequality is greater. Second-generation immigrant women already feel much less pressure to prove themselves. So says research by Dr. Özge Gökdemir and Prof. Devrim Dumludağ of Maastricht University. This study is the first of its kind to examine ethnic differences in competition in the Netherlands and has yielded remarkable results. The study focuses on native Dutch women and non-Western immigrant women, highlighting significant differences in competitiveness and suggesting policy adjustments to make better use of the labor market.

Data analysis

The researchers used data from the so-called LISS panel. This data shows that first-generation non-Western immigrant women exhibit higher levels of competitiveness compared to Dutch women. Nevertheless, Dutch women perform better in competitive games, but are generally less willing to compete.

No significant differences were found for second-generation non-Western immigrant women. These women seem to have adapted to the norms of Western welfare societies, where many women work part-time, earn less than men and still face glass ceilings. The adaptation of second-generation women to Western societal norms reflects an underutilized labor market potential.

Adapting Policies

Following their research findings, Dr. Gökdemir and Prof. Dumludağ recommend adjusting labor market policies to better utilize the potential of both Dutch and immigrant women. Areas of focus, according to the scholars, are equal pay for equal work, removing glass ceilings that hinder women's career development, and providing fully supported childcare services to enable women's full labor market participation.

Recognizing and embracing the talents of both Dutch and immigrant women is crucial. Such measures will not only benefit the labor market but also improve the personal and professional lives of these women. The researchers stress that better utilization of this labor market potential is essential for a more inclusive and productive labor market. They also advocate increasing the number of studies in this area to strengthen understanding of the topic.

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