Abstract
Around the western world, migration programs are increasingly targeting skilled professionals as governments view migration through the lens of economic efficiency. The majority of Australia’s migration intake now comprises skilled migrants, chosen for their human capital attributes. However, once skilled migrants arrive in Australia, they confront many barriers to re-establishing their careers in a new labour market. This paper uses qualitative and quantitative data to explore the consequences of this career disruption for professional women from Hong Kong, who often find themselves reorienting their identities and values away from the world of work and towards non-market-based spheres of life, such as family, leisure and self-development. This evolution challenges the Australian government’s economistic definitions of social citizenship, where migrants are seen almost exclusively as economic beings. Despite the government’s objectives, for many new arrivals, migration to Australia is an opportunity to explore other, non-economic, aspects of life.
Highlights
Women are crossing borders at an unprecedented rate
This paper examines the shifts in identities and values for women migrating to Australia from Hong Kong
Educated women have been able to enter managerial and administrative positions, enjoying good salaries, attractive fringe benefits and promotions (Man 1997: 194).1. Despite this culture of workforce participation, migration to Australia results in a substantial decline in employment levels among Hong Kong women. This is evident in the government-commissioned Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Australia (LSIA), which surveyed migrants arriving between 1993 and 1995
Summary
Hong Kong women are accustomed to playing an active role in the workforce This is partly a result of the colony’s industrial development, oriented firstly around light manufacturing, and around services, both of which have been substantial employers of women. Educated women have been able to enter managerial and administrative positions, enjoying good salaries, attractive fringe benefits and promotions (Man 1997: 194).. Educated women have been able to enter managerial and administrative positions, enjoying good salaries, attractive fringe benefits and promotions (Man 1997: 194).1 Despite this culture of workforce participation, migration to Australia results in a substantial decline in employment levels among Hong Kong women. This is evident in the government-commissioned Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Australia (LSIA), which surveyed migrants arriving between 1993 and 1995.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: PORTAL Journal of Multidisciplinary International Studies
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
