Methodology
An investigation of the challenges facing African refugee communities in the Australian workforce: Findings from a qualitative study of Sudanese and Liberian refugees in South Australia
Paul Gal Atem, PhD Candidate School of Natural and Built Environments University of South Australia
Abstract It appears that the culturally and linguistically diverse population within Australian society is experiencing difficulties in access to the workforce, especially the growing African community. This paper draws on data from a study designed to give a better understanding of the perceived barriers influencing Sudanese and Liberian refugees‟ ability to access employment and associated services in South Australia. This research takes a qualitative approach as a useful approach in understanding the problem of employment among Africans. The research has identified low socioeconomic status, educational standard, language issues, lack of recognition of qualifications and social capital as primary influencing factors effecting African capacity to enter the Australian workforce. The study participants consisted of eight Sudanese and Liberian refugees and seven advocacy community organization workers engaged in helping African refugees to find work. The participants were interviewed using semi-structured questions. Subjects arrived in Adelaide South Australia, most in the last ten years. These refugees are generally disadvantaged and often their life chances and choices are considerably restrained by current Australian workplace culture and expectations. This study attempts to add their voices to the debate about employment in Australia.
Keywords: Sudanese and Liberian refugees, Africans, employment, workforce, integration, South Australia
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Introduction Several decades of civil and political conflicts in some of the African countries have resulted in an increase in Sub-Sahara African migration to Australia. Migrants have arrived from Democratic Republic of Congo,
Paul Gal Atem, PhD Candidate School of Natural and Built Environments University of South Australia
Abstract It appears that the culturally and linguistically diverse population within Australian society is experiencing difficulties in access to the workforce, especially the growing African community. This paper draws on data from a study designed to give a better understanding of the perceived barriers influencing Sudanese and Liberian refugees‟ ability to access employment and associated services in South Australia. This research takes a qualitative approach as a useful approach in understanding the problem of employment among Africans. The research has identified low socioeconomic status, educational standard, language issues, lack of recognition of qualifications and social capital as primary influencing factors effecting African capacity to enter the Australian workforce. The study participants consisted of eight Sudanese and Liberian refugees and seven advocacy community organization workers engaged in helping African refugees to find work. The participants were interviewed using semi-structured questions. Subjects arrived in Adelaide South Australia, most in the last ten years. These refugees are generally disadvantaged and often their life chances and choices are considerably restrained by current Australian workplace culture and expectations. This study attempts to add their voices to the debate about employment in Australia.
Keywords: Sudanese and Liberian refugees, Africans, employment, workforce, integration, South Australia
1
Introduction Several decades of civil and political conflicts in some of the African countries have resulted in an increase in Sub-Sahara African migration to Australia. Migrants have arrived from Democratic Republic of Congo,
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