Immigrants' Social Class in Three Global Cities

Abstract

Uses a "queuing theory" perspective to explore whether immigrants with similar backgrounds obtain similar socioeconomic rewards across destinations. Unemployment, Goldthorpe class, & occupational status were compared among eight groups of immigrants living in London, New York, & Toronto. It was hypothesized that immigrant attainment would vary depending on differences in human capital, the opportunity structure, & group membership factors (culture, selectivity, & discrimination). Data were drawn from Canadian & American censuses & a set of British Labour Force Surveys. The results of multivariate analysis showed that foreign-born whites, African Indians, & Chinese men were most likely to have outcomes comparable to native whites in all three cities; however, immigrant women rarely have outcomes comparable to native white women. Some groups do better in New York due to the smaller percentage of whites living in that city; however, favorable outcomes depend upon potential employers ranking them above African Americans. Chinese women are the only female group who benefit from a New York location, & West Indian women fare better in Toronto than in either New York or London. The implications are discussed. 5 Tables, 1 Appendix. J. Lindroth