Ethnicity and ethnic identity: comparison of labour market outcomes of immigrants in selected European countries in 2010

The integration of immigrants affects social stability in host countries, which becomes a potential and heat issue discussed by all walks of life. How well the immigrants integrate into the society largely relates to their economic status in host countries. This paper aims to study the relationship among ethnicity, ethnic identity and the outcomes of immigrants in labour market in thirteen selected European countries as well as relevant immigrants’ characteristics. Using data from the European Social Survey in 2010, it is found that immigrants receive penalty in labour market, especially when they have strong ethnic identity. When comparing different country groups, African and South American immigrants receive more penalties than other ethnic origin in colonial countries. First generation especially with strong ethnic identity in newly immigration countries has more disadvantages. Self-identification and language count the reasons. Second generation with strong ethnic identity gets more penalties in classical countries. A strong attachment to religion, traditions and customs and social interaction do not seem to play a significant role. Gender does not appear to be significant negative in all cases. Moreover, in classical countries, it is tested that penalties received by immigrants will generate negative emotions which in turn impose more negative results in labour market. (Less)