Rhee Min-Kyoung, Chi Iris, Yi Jaehee
School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
Gerontologist. 2015 Jun;55(3):472-82. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnt113. Epub 2013 Oct 17.
This study involved an in-depth exploration of the employment barriers of older Korean immigrants in Los Angeles.
This qualitative study used data obtained from 6 focus groups and 5 individual interviews. Participants were 36 older Korean immigrants living in Los Angeles, aged 50 years and older, and either unemployed or employed in part-time or full-time work. A grounded theory analytical approach and constant comparison method were used.
Ten major themes emerged as employment barriers for older Korean immigrants and were categorized as stereotype, human capital, and acculturation barriers. Ageism among employers specific to Korean culture, lack of English proficiency, separation from U.S. culture, marginalization from both Korean and U.S. cultures, and lack of social networks were important themes. In addition, older Korean immigrants experienced multiple interconnected barriers.
The findings highlight the importance of using a multidimensional approach to explore employment barriers among older Korean immigrants who face multiple obstacles in finding jobs. Implications for local governments and Korean communities and potential services to support employment opportunities for older Korean immigrants are discussed.
本研究深入探讨了洛杉矶韩裔老年移民的就业障碍。
本定性研究使用了从6个焦点小组和5次个人访谈中获得的数据。参与者为36名居住在洛杉矶的韩裔老年移民，年龄在50岁及以上，处于失业状态或从事兼职或全职工作。采用了扎根理论分析方法和持续比较法。
出现了10个作为韩裔老年移民就业障碍的主要主题，并被归类为刻板印象、人力资本和文化适应障碍。特定于韩国文化的雇主年龄歧视、英语水平不足、与美国文化脱节、在韩国和美国文化中都被边缘化以及缺乏社交网络是重要主题。此外，韩裔老年移民经历了多种相互关联的障碍。
研究结果凸显了采用多维方法来探究在寻找工作中面临多重障碍的韩裔老年移民就业障碍的重要性。讨论了对地方政府和韩国社区的启示以及支持韩裔老年移民就业机会的潜在服务。
