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Overeducation among Italian graduates: do different measures diverge?

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  • Luca Cattani

    (University of Bologna)

  • Giovanni Guidetti

    (University of Bologna)

  • Giulio Pedrini

    (University of Milan-Bicocca)

Abstract

In this paper, we explore three dimensions of educational mismatch among graduates: incidence, impact on earnings and possible determinants. Our analysis focuses on Italian graduates and refers to the cohort that graduated in 2007 using data from the AlmaLaurea survey on graduates entering the labour market. A new measure of overeducation is introduced and jointly examined along with an alternative measure based on workers’ self-assessment. After having run estimates of the impact of overeducation on earnings and analyzed possible determinants of educational mismatch, we conclude that the two definitions of overeducation measure quite different things and in particular that “traditional” measures based on workers’ self-assessment are affected by individuals’ characteristics and by workers’ expectations and perceptions concerning the job post. However, effects on wages are very similar no matter what definition is adopted.

Suggested Citation

  • Luca Cattani & Giovanni Guidetti & Giulio Pedrini, 2018. "Overeducation among Italian graduates: do different measures diverge?," Economia Politica: Journal of Analytical and Institutional Economics, Springer;Fondazione Edison, vol. 35(2), pages 491-521, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:epolit:v:35:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s40888-017-0075-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s40888-017-0075-1
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Educational mismatches; Human capital; Graduate labour markets;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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