Journal of Youth Studies
Volume 17, Issue 9, 2014, Pages 1205-1220

‘I came to this country for a better life’: factors mediating employment trajectories among young people who migrated to Australia as refugees during adolescence (Article)

Nunn C.* , McMichael C. , Gifford S.M. , Correa-Velez I.
  • a Department of Sociology and Anthropology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  • b Department of Sociology and Anthropology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  • c The Swinburne Institute of Social Research, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  • d School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Abstract

Located at the intersection of two vulnerable groups in the contemporary labour market, young people who migrate as refugees during adolescence face a unique constellation of opportunities and challenges that shape their employment trajectories. Yet, the tendency for research to focus on the early years of refugee settlement means that we have an inadequate understanding of the factors that mediate their employment decisions, experiences and outcomes. Based on interviews with 51 young people, this article explores how aspirations, responsibilities, family, education and networks are understood to influence the employment trajectories of adolescent refugee migrants. While this article draws attention to the complex and dynamic range of challenges and constraints that these young people negotiate in the pursuit of satisfying and sustainable employment, what also emerges is an optimistic and determined cohort who, even as they at times unsuccessfully prepare for and navigate the labour market, maintain high hopes for a better life. © 2014, © 2014 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

youth Employment Transition Settlement Refugee

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84918806961&doi=10.1080%2f13676261.2014.901496&partnerID=40&md5=f60148a4533c0c5ea7bebf50ca46f4f3
DOI: 10.1080/13676261.2014.901496
ISSN: 13676261
Cited by: 10
Original Language: English