| dc.description.abstract | The overall aim of this research project was to examine the integration of Polish migrant workers into the labour market in Norway and the UK. A specific focus was given to the strategies that Polish migrant workers adopt in order to integrate into the labour market, and the barriers that they encounter in doing so. This study employed a qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews conducted within the framework of a research project called ‘Doing Family across Borders’ (FAMAC). The findings assembled from the semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, which performed as a framework for the presentation, analysis and discussion of the research findings, together with theories of social mobility and transnationalism. Various strategies and barriers for integration were discovered within four categories: migration networks, language, education and work experience, and perspectives on migration. Some of the main strategies adopted by participants to integrate into the labour market were: migrating to a country with an already established social network; investing in a language course and learning the language; learning the language in order to qualify for more, and better work; improve their skills and qualifications; and acquiring a citizenship. Further, some of the main barriers encountered by participants when integrating into the labour market were: reliance on social networks; linguistically segregated workplaces and the use of dialects; education not recognised; overqualification; and experiences of discrimination. This study concluded that there were no significantly found differences between the strategies adopted, and barriers encountered, by participants in Norway and in the UK when integrating into the labour market. | en_US |
