Home leaving among second generation migrants in Spain: A Cross-classified Multilevel Analysis

We investigate the transition outside the parental home for second generation migrants in Spain, a “latest-late” transition to adulthood country which has recently become a destination for migrants. We simultaneously take into account two sources of heterogeneity: the country of origin and the province of destination in Spain. Micro-census data provide an opportunity to study all large migrant groups coming from a variety of countries worldwide. Applying cross-classified multilevel analysis, we study the probability to live outside the parental home for migrants and natives. Results show that for second generation migrants in Spain, the country of origin contributes more to explaining the existing variability in home-leaving than the province of residence. Also, heterogeneity across migrant groups exists in terms of propensity to leave the parental home, although a geographical clustering is evident. Finally, we find a strong association between mean age at marriage in the country of origin and the propensity to leave home for second generation migrants.