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Examining the Impact of Conscript Service on the Labour Market Integration of Migrants

Author

Listed:
  • Ilona Bontenbal

    (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT)

  • Reetta Riikonen

    (University of Eastern Finland)

  • Jarkko Kosonen

    (Army Command Finland)

Abstract

This research considers the role that participating in conscript service has for individuals with a migrant background in overcoming barriers to labour market integration. According to previous studies, these barriers include discrimination, previous qualifications not being recognised and a lack of language skills, networks and information. The study is based on 24 interviews conducted with individuals with a migrant background who have performed conscript service in Finland. The research takes place in the context of conscription and mandatory conscript service among male citizens. The findings indicate that conscript service may have some direct and indirect beneficial outcomes for labour market integration. Direct labour market outcomes are particularly related to qualifications acquired during service, which can be directly applied in the civilian labour market. Indirect outcomes are associated with acculturation, such as learning the language and becoming familiar with the host society’s culture and norms. Performing conscript service also facilitates the establishment of social networks, especially with native-born youngsters. Furthermore, conscript service is perceived to have the potential to elevate conscripts’ status in the eyes of potential Finnish employers. As a result, completing conscript service enhances location-specific human capital, and therefore, it can potentially improve labour market integration outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ilona Bontenbal & Reetta Riikonen & Jarkko Kosonen, 2024. "Examining the Impact of Conscript Service on the Labour Market Integration of Migrants," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 25(3), pages 1593-1613, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:25:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s12134-024-01140-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-024-01140-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matti Sarvimäki, 2011. "Assimilation to a Welfare State: Labor Market Performance and Use of Social Benefits by Immigrants to Finland," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 113(3), pages 665-688, September.
    2. Henna Busk & Signe Jauhiainen, 2022. "The Careers of Immigrants in Finland: Empirical Evidence for Genders and Year of Immigration," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 2009-2030, December.
    3. Akhlaq Ahmad, 2015. "“Since Many of My Friends Were Working in the Restaurant”: the Dual Role of Immigrants’ Social Networks in Occupational Attainment in the Finnish Labour Market," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 16(4), pages 965-985, November.
    4. Abdirashid A. Ismail, 2019. "Immigrant Children, Educational Performance and Public Policy: a Capability Approach," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 20(3), pages 717-734, August.
    5. Matti Sarvimäki & Kari Hämäläinen, 2016. "Integrating Immigrants: The Impact of Restructuring Active Labor Market Programs," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 34(2), pages 479-508.
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