The Myth of Immigrant Women as Secondary Workers: Evidence from Canada

Al?cia Adser? and Ana Ferrer
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Alicia Adsera

American Economic Review, 2014, vol. 104, issue 5, 360-64

Abstract: We use the confidential files of the Canadian Census 1991–2006, combined with information from O*NET on the skill requirements of jobs, to show that the labor market patterns of female immigrants do not fit the profile of secondary workers, but rather conform to the recent experience of married native women with rising participation (and wage assimilation). At best, only relatively uneducated immigrant women in unskilled occupations may fit the profile of secondary workers. Educated immigrant women experience skill assimilation over time: a reduction in physical strength and a gradual increase in analytical skills required in their jobs relative to natives.

JEL-codes: J15 J16 J24 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.104.5.360
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (16)

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