What Stratum Are You? Narratives of Colombian Migrants Living in Melbourne and How They Experience Socioeconomic Stratification

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores the stories of eleven middle-class professionals from Bogotá, Colombia living in Melbourne, Australia. They reflect on class and status while trying to navigate the Australian social structure and position themselves and others in it. Drawing on theories of migration and class, we argue that the participants position themselves in Australian society not only in relation to the local social structure but also through beliefs they have about Colombian social structures, particularly the socioeconomic stratification system. This involves reinterpretation and adaptation of pre-conceptions and beliefs according to the new reality. Further unexpected findings included that English proficiency is crucial to the social mobility and integration of Colombian migrants in Australia. Most respondents perceived education as their best asset, but felt that their chances of success depended on English skills. This research contributes to knowledge of Latin American migrants in Australia and the Colombian socioeconomic stratification system.