Socioeconomic Integration of Second Generation Immigrants in Israel: Examining Alternative Ethnic Classifications

Abstract

The present study examines the socioeconomic integration of second generation immigrants in Israel. Most Israeli studies examine this population using a binary ethnic classification into Mizrahim (originating in Asia or Africa) and Ashkenazim (originating in Europe). Drawing upon immigration theory and evidence from Israeli research on first generation immigrants, the present study examines second generation immigrants using a country of origin classification. The socioeconomic characteristics of second generation immigrants from 12 origin countries are presented, and their economic integration into the Israeli labor market is tested in two time periods, 1983 and 1995, using Israeli census data. The results suggest that, in general, the binary ethnic classification is the relevant one for analyzing the second generation immigrants, although additional information is obtained using county of origin classification. The findings also indicate that among second generation immigrants, the binary ethnic classification is less suitable in 1995 than in 1983.