Citizenship experiences of young migrants: Optimism and disadvantages

Abstract

This study analyses the citizenship experiences of young non-western migrants in the Netherlands. Young migrants are in a disadvantaged position in education and in the labour market and this leads to concerns about their integration in Dutch society. The focus of this study is on the participation of migrant youngsters in education, in which an analysis of the experiences and perspectives on education and future labour market participation of migrant youngsters themselves are the central objectives. The expectation is that the experiences of young migrants are influenced by their disadvantaged socio-economic background, social networks, practices of exclusion, social policies, the harsh policy climate, and the negative public debate about migrants in Dutch society. This study also aims to explain the pronounced gender dif­ferences that can be observed: migrant girls outperform migrant boys in education, but in comparison they are less active in the labour market. This study is unique in the sense that the experiences of the migrant youngsters themselves are investigated. This was done by conducting a mixed-method study, in which extensive qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Furthermore, this is a practice-based study, which means the study is relevant from scientific and from societal perspectives. One of the main results of this study is that young migrants experience school in a very positive way. They have a high school satisfaction and are very ambitious about finishing an education at a high level. The support of their social network is very important for young migrants; active communication with their parents and siblings showed to influence their school satisfaction in a positive way. This study furthermore showed that young migrants in the Netherlands are optimistic, and believe that they can seize the opportunities in education and work that Dutch society offers them, even when they know that, for instance, discrimination is working against them. This does not mean however that a minority is losing their way, and this group tends to symbolise the prejudices against this group. Social policies and projects for drop-outs take care of this group, however this study shows that some measures have unintended negative consequences for the youngsters. Migrant youth who, despite setbacks on the home front and the general social climate in education and the labour market, do generally attempt to make a future for themselves, believing that they can succeed where their parents did not. The figures show that increasing numbers of young migrants are participating in education and the labour market, and this is reason for hope, even though social circumstances are still adverse. It can be said in general that migrant youngsters are making steps forward – a fact supported by the figures, and they are making more progress than their parents did. This study showed that, despite obstacles and the changing discourse in the Netherlands, migrant youngsters are optimistic and resilient.