Understanding Immigrant Labor Market Stratification

Abstract

Abstract The chapter outlines a conceptual framework for understanding the immigrant labor market stratification adopted in Western (primarily European) scholarship, which incorporates both individual and contextual factors. Explanations for immigrant stratification patterns at the individual level further consider the two-sided nature of immigrant labor market incorporation, examining both immigrants and the receiving society. The chapter presents major theoretical developments and empirical findings in the field, but also identifies several unresolved issues. It discusses how the case of recent refugee migration can shed light on these controversies. The chapter concludes by highlighting the potential of refugee research for contributing to a more general understanding of immigrant labor market stratification.