Precarity and Labor Dynamics in Italian Tourism: The Case of Sardinia

This study examines the working conditions in the tourism sector in Sardinia (Italy), focusing on labor precarity, exploitation, gender disparities, and limited social mobility within the seasonal and sea tourism. Drawing on interviews with workers and entrepreneurs, the research highlights the deep-rooted challenges of seasonality, low wages, and informal work practices. Workers report long hours, job instability, and partial compensation, often exacerbated by the predominance of short-term contracts. Many also face informal work arrangements, where only a fraction of the labor performed is officially paid. The findings also reveal significant gender inequalities, with women frequently relegated to lower-paid and less visible roles such as housekeeping, while men occupy managerial positions. Despite high levels of participation, women struggle to break through the "glass ceiling," often facing barriers to upward mobility due to both structural and cultural constraints. These gendered labor dynamics, coupled with the high demands of balancing family responsibilities with work, create additional burdens for female workers. Furthermore, the sector offers limited prospects for professional growth and long-term stability, pushing many to migrate abroad for better opportunities. This lack of social mobility is compounded by inadequate training programs that fail to meet the needs of the local job market, particularly in regions, as Sardinia, heavily dependent on tourism. Ultimately, this study calls for structural reforms in the tourism sector to address labor exploitation, support gender equality, and provide workers with meaningful opportunities for professional advancement, thus ensuring a more equitable and sustainable future for the industry of tourism.