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Great Expectations: Perspectives of Young West African Immigrant Men Transitioning to the Canadian Labour Market Without Postsecondary Education

Author

Listed:
  • Stacey Wilson-Forsberg

    (Wilfrid Laurier University)

  • Oliver Masakure

    (Wilfrid Laurier University
    Wilfrid Laurier University)

  • Edward Shizha

    (Wilfrid Laurier University)

  • Ginette Lafrenière

    (Wilfrid Laurier University)

  • Magnus Mfoafo-M’Carthy

    (Wilfrid Laurier University)

Abstract

This article employs a life course perspective to examine the life experiences—expectations, disappointments and second chances—of young men from West African immigrant families who did not complete postsecondary education. Specifically, it demonstrates the discrepancy between the education and career expectations that parents have for their sons and the men’s own expectations as they transitioned from high school to the labour market. Based on a larger qualitative study of the postsecondary education decisions of male African immigrant youth in Southern Ontario, Canada, the article highlights the life stories of 20 young men in Toronto who transitioned to adulthood in economically vulnerable families. The findings demonstrate that the young men took a non-linear path to the labour market.

Suggested Citation

  • Stacey Wilson-Forsberg & Oliver Masakure & Edward Shizha & Ginette Lafrenière & Magnus Mfoafo-M’Carthy, 2020. "Great Expectations: Perspectives of Young West African Immigrant Men Transitioning to the Canadian Labour Market Without Postsecondary Education," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 1309-1328, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:21:y:2020:i:4:d:10.1007_s12134-019-00718-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-019-00718-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hou, Feng & Picot, Garnett, 2013. "Why Immigrant Background Matters for University Participation: A Comparison of Switzerland and Canada," CLSSRN working papers clsrn_admin-2013-50, Vancouver School of Economics, revised 22 Nov 2013.
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    3. Hou, Feng & Picot, Garnett, 2011. "Preparing for Success in Canada and the United States: The Determinants of Educational Attainment Among the Children of Immigrants," Analytical Studies Branch Research Paper Series 2011332e, Statistics Canada, Analytical Studies Branch.
    4. Are Skeie Hermansen, 2017. "Age at Arrival and Life Chances Among Childhood Immigrants," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 54(1), pages 201-229, February.
    5. Hou, Feng & Ram, Bali & Abada, Teresa, 2008. "Group Differences in Educational Attainment Among the Children of Immigrants," Analytical Studies Branch Research Paper Series 2008308e, Statistics Canada, Analytical Studies Branch.
    6. Garnett Picot & Feng Hou, 2013. "Why Immigrant Background Matters for University Participation: A Comparison of Switzerland and Canada," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(3), pages 612-642, September.
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    8. Masud Chand, 2019. "Brain Drain, Brain Circulation, and the African Diaspora in the United States," Journal of African Business, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(1), pages 6-19, January.
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