This triple selection fuels the brain drain from Southern Italy and reinforces inequalities in access to educational and career opportunities. ⚠️

Among top-performing students from classical and scientific high schools with graduate parents, the probability of moving North for university exceeds 70%.

University mobility stems from a triple selection based on:
- social origin
- school achievement
- school track
Mobility is driven by high-achieving students from academic tracks and highly educated families.

Takeaway: While formal childcare has limited effect on fertility, unmet childcare needs emerge as a crucial factor — calling for policies that address not just the availability and accessibility of childcare, but also the broader socio-economic and cultural factors shaping fertility decisions.

Among mothers using formal childcare, natives report higher positive short-term fertility intentions than migrants, while natives with unmet childcare needs are less likely to have another child than migrants.

Results: Mothers using formal childcare are slightly more likely to show positive fertility behaviours than those with unmet needs, with differences by migration background.

Thank you, Mimmi! A big hug back to you! 😊