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Immigrant occupational mobility in Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Christopher M Fleming

    (Griffith University, Australia)

  • Temesgen Kifle

    (The University of Queensland, Australia)

  • Parvinder Kler

    (Griffith University, Australia)

Abstract

This research note takes an occupational attainment approach to examining the economic assimilation of immigrants in Australia. This approach differs from much of the existing literature, which tends to examine economic assimilation by looking at levels of (un)employment or wages. Focusing on occupational attainment is useful, in that disadvantage in the labour market is not limited to employment status and earnings, and an individual’s occupation may provide a broader signal of their economic and social well-being. Findings indicate that, on arrival, immigrants from a non-English speaking background face significant disadvantage in occupational attainment, particularly those from Asian countries. There is also evidence to suggest that those who arrive later in life, or are from an Asian non-English speaking background, are the least likely to assimilate over time. Results are indicative of the need for policies to better integrate immigrants from more diverse cultures and societies into the Australian labour market.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher M Fleming & Temesgen Kifle & Parvinder Kler, 2016. "Immigrant occupational mobility in Australia," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 30(5), pages 876-889, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:30:y:2016:i:5:p:876-889
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017016631446
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sheruni De Alwis & Nick Parr & Fei Guo, 2020. "The Education–Occupation (Mis)Match of Asia-Born Immigrants in Australia," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 39(3), pages 519-548, June.
    2. Mark Wooden, 2021. "Job Characteristics and the Changing Nature of Work," Australian Economic Review, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, vol. 54(4), pages 494-505, December.
    3. To, Hang & Grafton, R. Quentin & Regan, Sue, 2017. "Immigration and labour market outcomes in Australia: Findings from HILDA 2001–2014," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 1-13.
    4. Angela Knox & Chris Warhurst, 2018. "Occupations, the Missing Link? A New Theoretical and Methodological Approach to Product Markets, Skill and Pay," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 32(1), pages 150-168, February.
    5. T Kifle & P Kler & CM Fleming, 2018. "Australian immigrantsâ labour market success: Does occupation matter?," Discussion Papers in Economics economics:201805, Griffith University, Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics.
    6. Sheruni De Alwis & Nick Parr & Fei Guo, 2022. "The interacting effects of religion and birthplace on the labour market outcomes of Asian immigrants in Australia," Journal of Population Research, Springer, vol. 39(2), pages 157-199, June.

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