Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Sociology

Collaborative Specialization

Migration and Ethnic Relations

Supervisor

Choi, Kate H.

Abstract

Using the 2008 and 2013 Canadian General Social Survey, I analyze economic outcomes—employment, income, homeownership—of Canadian lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) immigrants compared to their heterosexual and/or native-born peers. I explore how LGB immigrants differ from others in terms of sociodemographic traits, human capital, and social relationships, and how this produces car disparities by sexual orientation and nativity status. Gay immigrants are faring as well, or better, in the labor market compared to heterosexuals and Canadian-born gays. Bisexual immigrants have a labor market disadvantage relative to heterosexuals and Canadian-born bisexuals. LGB immigrants are disadvantaged with regards to their homeownership attainment. Socio-demographic traits explain some of these economic disparities. Social relationships have mixed effects on the economic differences by nativity status and sexual orientation. Social networks have a minimal role in the disparities, but neighborhood detachment plays a large role in the lower homeownership attainment of LGB immigrants.

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