Affiliations: Department of Occupational Science and Occupational
Therapy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Melinda Suto, PhD, OT(C), Assistant
Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, The
University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Room T-325, Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada V6T 2B5. Tel.: +1 (604) 822-7395; Fax: +1 (604)
822-7624; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Background: Work is a significant occupational transition that
occurs with immigration and resettlement. Problems finding work and regaining
economic capital are multi-factorial, differentiated by gender and mediated by
specific contexts. Surprisingly, past education and work experience are
unreliable predictors of successful employment outcomes. Approach: Critical theory and ethnographic concepts informed
the methodological approach. Data were generated primarily through in-depth
interviews, conducted in English, with 14 well-educated women who immigrated to
Canada as adults and sought employment in their professions. The thematic
findings were analyzed using Bourdieu's [7] concepts of capital, field and
habitus. Findings: The theme Compromised Careers describes the downward
occupational (work) mobility that occurs despite expectations that education,
credentials and work experience are transferable to desirable employment. A
devaluation of foreign qualifications and no relevant Canadian work experience
function with gendered responsibilities, less social support, and time spent in
resettlement activities to create negative work trajectories. The role that
federal policies and professional organizations play is examined to reveal the
tension between individuals' efforts to find employment and institutional
barriers that impede these actions. Conclusion: A critical inquiry approach examined the ruling
relations to show how power and privilege function in relation to migrants'
occupational transitions.
Keywords: Occupation, transition, work, immigrants, women
