Research Library

The Use of Human Capital and Limitations of Social Capital in Advancing Economic Security among Immigrant Women Living in Central Alberta, Canada

Abstract

This paper focuses on experiences of settlement and seeking employment of immigrant women in Central Alberta. The study shows that immigrant women tend to rely on their family, ethnic, and religious networks to “survive” in the first stages of settlement, as well as when seeking employment. However, the support that they can receive from their social networks is limited because: (1) their family and friends themselves often lack economic resources; (2) their non-Canadian skills and credential are not always recognized by employers; (3) they have low income and have difficulty accessing training and educational programs that may be recognized by Canadian employers; (4) they are burdened by childcare; (5) some experience language barrier that affect their confidence and mental health.