Internal migration patterns in Italy: continuity and change before and during the great recession.

Like others, the authors show that the nexus between the great recession and internal migration is first of all characterized by the continuity of existing patterns. The intensity of internal migration in Italy changed little during the great recession even though, in2009,when the first effects of the crisis were felt, a strong decline was observed in the numbers of changes of residence between municipalities. This abrupt decline, which can certainly be linked to the sudden credit crunch caused by the onset of the recession, was however compensated in the subsequent years. The gender-and age-specific internal migration patterns of the Italian and the foreign population show significant and interesting differences. However, their levels and trends cannot easily be attributed to the onset of the great recession. In terms of the regional patterns of internal migration, it seems possible to identify the influence of the great recession. The areas mainly affected by the great recession are those zones with traditionally low levels of GDP per capita and high levels of unemployment, and their economic disadvantage worsened with the crisis. For these areas in particular, internal migration became less and less of an option during the great recession, because the traditionally attractive Italian destination of the Centre-North itself suffered the effect of the economic downturn. So, in the years since the onset of the great recession, the number of Italians emigrating has increased significantly.