Learning language and gaining employment: problems for refugee migrants in Australia
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ISSN: 2040-7149
Article publication date: 29 July 2021
Issue publication date: 22 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Muslim refugee migrants are a growing ethno-religious disadvantaged minority group in several Western societies, and host-country language proficiency and employment are essential factors in reducing this disadvantage. This paper thus explores the efficacy of English training programs in facilitating the settlement and employment of a group of male Muslim refugees in Australia.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is qualitative in nature, with data collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with the eight participants in the study. Analysis was conducted using Bourdieu's concepts of field, capital and habitus.
Findings
English training programs offered to Australian Muslim men are problematic in their aim of linking them to employment. Areas of concern are identified in respect to the training hours offered, their learning environment, their content and pedagogy, their lack of focus on employment and their failure to recognise the existing work skills of the migrants.
Research limitations/implications
The study is conducted with a small sample of male Muslim migrants: while the findings may be similar for other refugee groups, further research is necessary to confirm this.
Practical implications
There is a need to restructure the current English training programs offered to refugee migrants in Australia, Muslim or otherwise. This study identifies several areas where such restructuring might occur, both at the policy and pedagogical levels.
Originality/value
Few studies focus on Australian male Muslim migrants. This study enhances understanding of this under-researched group and their struggles to learn English, find employment and rise above their disadvantaged societal position.
Keywords
Citation
Hsieh, Y.-J.T. (2021), "Learning language and gaining employment: problems for refugee migrants in Australia", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 40 No. 8, pp. 1013-1031. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-12-2020-0358
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited