"Thou land of hope for all who toil"? The effects of social resources on job search and job outcome of skilled immigrants in Toronto (Ontario).
Published: 2006
Language: eng
Number of pages: 341
ISBN-13: 9780494159507
Description: Contrary to the expectations of assimilation theory, job contacts used by respondents even for the job at the time of survey remained predominantly co-ethnic. Moreover, with time, there was increasing participation in the ethnic-related economy. Nevertheless, the use of co-ethnic ties led more often to jobs in the mainstream---usually good jobs with high occupational status. But jobs in the ethnic economy at the time of survey, while slightly inferior to mainstream economy jobs, were mainly good jobs, thanks to the almost institutionally complete Chinese ethnic economy in Toronto which provided opportunities in many professions. Distinction between mainstream and ethnic economy jobs was not significant.Previous research indicated that social resources significantly affected job search outcome for the general population. This study tests whether this also holds true for skilled immigrants. Based on a survey and in-depth interviews of university graduates from Hong Kong in Toronto, it finds that social resources were also key to their job search. While these skilled immigrants lacked social resources immediately after settlement, with time, they established ties, especially Canadian work ties. These ties were instrumental in their obtaining jobs that were of higher occupational status and better matches for their skills and work experience. Their job search pattern grew to resemble mid-career job changes among professionals and managers. Evidence points to social resources, especially in the form of contact status reached, acting as an intervening variable between the human capital endowment of the immigrant and his/her job search outcome. The lack of social resources could be an important but rarely explored explanation for the widespread occupational status dislocation and income disparity experienced by immigrants.The study also found that job search outcome was significantly related to the type of occupation held by the respondent, which also impacted on the method of job search. Confirming previous findings, immigrants found accessing managerial jobs and jobs in other people- and service-oriented occupations most difficult. Because these occupations required linguistic and cultural sensitivity, skills were less portable internationally. Immigrants need personal intermediaries to find such jobs precisely because such skills were not evident in their credentials.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-07, Section: A, page: 2765.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Toronto, 2006.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.