Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Sociology

Collaborative Specialization

Migration and Ethnic Relations

Supervisor

Haan, Michael

Abstract

Immigrants’ social and economic integration in Canada are explored using the 2001 census, the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada (LSIC) and the Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB). I analyze how immigrants’ ethnicity as well as education level relative to their ethnic group, affect their social tie formation with co-ethnic members. Visible minority groups are more likely to make co-ethnic ties than the white population groups. Additionally, those who have similar or lower levels of education than their group are likely to make intra-ethnic networks two years after arrival. Next, I examine the income trajectories of immigrants by taking into account the impact of education, bonding social ties, and working in an ethnic economy. Education is found to be advantageous. Also, bonding social ties with co-ethnic members are found to have a slightly negative effect, which diminishes over time. Lastly, working in an ethnic economy is detrimental to immigrants’ economic outcomes.

Summary for Lay Audience

Immigrants’ social and economic integration in Canada are explored using the 2001 census, the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada (LSIC) and the Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB). I look at whether immigrants' ethnicity and level of education compared to their group are linked to social tie formation with people of the same ethnicity. I found that immigrants who are visible minorities are more likely to form co-ethnic ties. I also found that those who have similar or lower levels of education than their ethnic group are likely to make co-ethnic ties. Next, I analyze how ties with those of the same ethnicity, working in an ethnic economy, and education play a role in immigrants' income. Indeed, education is found to be beneficial for their income. Also, ties with people of the same ethnicity are first found to have a negative effect, which lessens over time. Finally, it is found that working alongside with people of the same ethnic background can be damaging to immigrants' income.

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