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Title: The socio-economic integration of second-generation immigrants

Citation Type: Working Paper

Publication Year: 2011

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Abstract: The debate on immigrant integration is focused on second-generation's educational and occupational attainment. The revised straight-line assimilation theory predicts overtime improvement and the segmented assimilation theory predicts a three-way pathway. While much research has been carried out in the USA, there has been relatively little research in a comparative framework. This study aims to make a contribution in this regard by using micro-data from the two most recent Censuses of the Population in the two countries. It examines tertiary education and labour market position of the second generation in Britain and the USA against the two theoretical perspectives. In addition, it also aims at testing the long-standing thesis of American openness. The analysis shows that the second generation in both countries were making progress but some groups were consistently disadvantaged. The findings render support for the segmented assimilation theory with regard to ethnic hierarchy but suggest greater support to the straight-line assimilation theory in terms of trends. We also find that the second generation were doing better in the US but the gaps were being narrowed. As some groups were persistently disadvantaged in both countries, governments, employers and the wider society must do more to help the most vulnerable rather than leave the matter to parental and community control in achieving upward mobility.

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Authors: Li, Yaojun

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Institution: Manchester University

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Publisher Location: Manchester, UK

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Labor Force and Occupational Structure, Migration and Immigration

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