Die Erwerbsintegration von MigrantInnen in der ländlichen Steiermark im Kontext der Zuwanderungsgeschichte

Abstract

In contrast to common perceptions, immigrants do not only make up a growing part of urban populations but also of some rural areas in Austria. This article explores the labour market position of immigrants in rural areas of the Southern Austrian province Styria. It is based on the findings of the monitoring and evaluation of active labour market programmes that were implemented in Styria 2010 to 2011. Six case studies of immigrants are presented and analysed with the intersectional approach suggested by Degele and Winker. The analysis takes the regional context and past experience with migratory movements into account. The empirical findings are complemented by a review of literature and regional data on the Austrian and Styrian migration patterns since 1945. The results indicate that a disadvantaged labour market position of immigrants cannot be reduced to their foreign origin. First, it is the interplay of different factors that influence their living conditions and social position in Austria, i.e. origin (residence status, language, religion), gender (parenthood), class (educational level, occupational status, household income, social network) and body (age, health). Second, time and location matter. Similar individual characteristics can have different outcomes at different periods of time. Rural areas often do not provide the same level of infrastructure and employment opportunities than urban centres. Finally, it also depends on rural development policies whether these areas can offer decent prospects not only to their long-term (native) residents but also to new (immigrant) residents.