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Pro-environmental behaviours have been studied extensively in the economic literature, with particular regard to the effects induced by unemployment. A key element that was little investigated in previous contributions consists in intrahousehold dynamics. This work provides a novel microeconomic framework describing the interaction between economic cycle and intrahousehold time allocation that is ultimately responsible for the adoption of pro-environmental behaviours. Intrahousehold differences in productivity represent a key assumption in this framework. The theoretical model is then tested empirically on recent Italian observations using Data Envelopment Analysis. Our results indicate that the most efficient allocations are attained in periods when joint drops in unemployment and female labour market participation (added worker effect) lead to intrahousehold specialisation. • We evaluate the relationship between PEBs and unemployment considering the intrahousehold dynamics. • We describe the PEBs by considering the interaction between economic cycle and intrahousehold time allocation. • The Intrahousehold differences in productivity represent a key assumption in proposed framework • We empirically test the theoretical model using time series techniques on recent Italian data and DEA • The results show that the most efficient allocations is linked to the intrahousehold specialisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Italy features very low labour market participation rates for both men and women, coupled with a sizeable participation gender gap. This work investigates empirically the relation between institutional quality and labour market participation at the local level. Using official records on the Italian provinces over the 2004–2012 timespan and the Institutional Quality Index, we use a Spatial Lag of X model to gauge the direct and indirect impact of local institutions on male and female participation rates, with particular regard to the participation gender gap. The results support the idea that institutional quality has a significant impact on local labour market participation, for both men and women, while it does not affect the participation gap. Moreover, institutions generate spatial spillovers, affecting participation in neighbouring provinces. Finally, the availability of public child care facilities is as a key determinant of female participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Regional Policy supports the most disadvantaged regions of the EU, aiming to foster a long-run convergence process. Between 2007 and 2013, the EU devoted substantial resources to low-income convergence regions, covering about one quarter of the EU population. Like other disadvantaged areas, Southern Italy received conspicuous funding. This work attempts to evaluate the effect of the intensive funding on local labour market participation across the convergence regions of Southern Italy, using a Diff-in-Diff identification strategy in a Dynamic Spatial Framework. An element of strength in this study is represented by the NUTS-3 dataset employed, drawn from official records. Controlling for socio-economic covariates, autoregressive components and spatial spillovers, the results obtained show a negative impact of the intensive EU funding on labour market participation. Many reasons may account for this phenomenon, ranging from poor targeting and monitoring, to the distortionary effects of the funds, to the strategic behaviour of the national government. • The EU Regional Policy granted intensive funding to convergence regions in Southern Italy. • We aim to identify the effect of the intensive funding on labour market participation. • Our strategy is a Diff-in-Diff approach in a Dynamic Spatial Framework on NUTS-3 data. • The funding has a negative effect, even controlling for time persistence and spatial spillovers. • A revision of the funding schemes is called for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]