This study provides a comparative analysis of labor market integration policies for immigrant women in Sweden and Canada from 2015 to 2023, using Carol Bacchi's framework of "what is the problem represented to be” (WPR). It explores how Canadian and Swedish policies construct the “problem” for female immigrants' labor market integration by examining underlying assumptions, values, and discourses within these policies. The study uses a postcolonial feminist and intersectional lens to critically assess how gender, immigration, and labor market dynamics intersect with policy frameworks. Analyzing the representations and effects of these policies, this study highlights the differences and similarities between the approaches of the two countries. It also considers the wider sociopolitical context that influences policy development and implementation. The study reveals that Canadian and Swedish policies identify a combination of structural and individual shortcomings as the "problems" for immigrant women integrating into the labor markets of these countries. The comparative analysis between the nations reveals that while both countries identify similar "problems," their strategic actions and targeted interventions differ. Canada has a more comprehensive approach to labor market integration and focuses more on efforts to restructure harmful structures. In contrast, Swedish initiatives focus more on individual adaption over systemic change by implementing targeted initiatives for immigrant women's adaptation to existing labor market structures. The findings of this study contributeto migration and labor studies by revealing the complex layers of policy and its impact on the labor market opportunities of immigrant women.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:su-230046 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Ottosson, Felicia |
| Publisher | Stockholms universitet, Institutionen för ekonomisk historia och internationella relationer |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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