Ethnic minorities and income inequality: the Albanian community in Italy

Purpose – This study explores whether ethnic minorities exhibit varying levels of income inequality compared to the host population. Design/methodology/approach – The research leverages a unique immigration event in Italy, specifically the settlement of multiple Albanian groups in southern Italy during the 16th century. This historical occurrence enables an investigation into the role of cultural traits in income inequality, as these groups are situated in the same geographical region and often share borders. Findings – The results, which remain consistent after undergoing various robustness checks, indicate that Albanian villages, while still preserving their identity and tradition, tend to experience an approximately 2% lower level of income concentration compared to similar Italian municipalities. Originality/value – Our findings aim to provide supporting evidence for future policy considerations regarding the long-term impact of immigration on income inequality.