Which specific factors promote the social mobility of ethnic minorities?

Members of ethnic minorities in the Netherlands are increasingly moving up to leadership positions. One of the most important factors for this is their drive to achieve more than their parents or friends and acquaintances. Yet the social mobility of immigrant employees is still hindered by the fact that their social network takes place largely within their own ethnic group. To counter this, successful immigrants and their descendants must act as role models to inspire others. These are some of the remarkable conclusions by Artwell Cain, who earned his PhD at the University of Tilburg on 26 October 2007 with his study 'Social Mobility of Ethnic Minorities in the Netherlands'.

For his dissertation, Cain held 55 in-depth interviews with successful individuals from ethnic minorities or with a Dutch background at the management level. The interviews illustrated that ethnicity plays a significant part in the upward-mobility processes and the opportunities for the respondents from the ethnic minority groups. On one hand, this was due to the manner in which they identify with their own group, and on the other with how their ethnicity was perceived and dealt with by the greater society. Cain sees this as a support for the theory that ethnicity will continue to play a part in the upward-mobility processes and opportunities for ethnic minority groups.

Role models
Cain argues for a personnel policy based on empirical knowledge and practical experience, geared towards diversity, training and developing the talents of immigrant employees. Successful immigrants sharing their experiences would also have a positive effect. Now that there are an increasing number of role models in higher positions, they can stimulate others and improve the negative image of ethnic minorities. Managers should also realise that stimulating immigrant employees can improve the organisation's results.

The dissertation
During the dissertation, the following Professors acted as the opposition: Prof. Ph. Essed, PhD. (Antioch University, USA), Prof. P.L. Meurs PhD. (Erasmus University Rotterdam) and Prof. P. Verweel PhD. (University of Utrecht).

Prof. Ph. Essed called Cain's dissertation ‘highly relevant’ and ‘disciplined and structured’. She praised his consideration for the social-historical context and the gender dimension for subjects such as upward social mobility among ethnic minorities. Essed questioned Cain about how that upward mobility can be guaranteed for the next generations of ethnic minorities. Cain suggests that the added value of diversity policy must permeate throughout the organisations. "Employers short-change themselves when they do not implement a diversity policy." It is also important that successful members of ethnic minorities be included in the policy. "They can function as an inspiration for others. The duty of the upwardly mobile to educate others must be emphasised," according to Cain.

Prof. P.L. Meurs also began with a compliment for Cain. She stated that the dissertation's focus on successful ethnic minorities is a fresh perspective on the subject. In academia, it is more common to look for explanations of the disadvantages faced by ethnic minorities. Meurs interrogated Cain about the precise interaction between the steps that the ethnic minorities themselves take to guarantee their upward mobility, and the steps that organisations must take. Cain answered that the organisations must be oriented towards their goals, and that people are their instruments. These two factors must be better attuned to one another.

Prof. P. Verweel complimented Cain with the connection to reality that is so apparent in his dissertation. Verweel challenged Cain to state what added value his qualitative analysis provides exactly. Cain replied that his method of questioning ('fellowship linkage') offered the respondents the opportunity to speak freely. He considered himself able to pull the most information available out of the respondents.

Ace Advies
Tollenstraat 10
2902 AP Capelle a/d IJssel
The Netherlands
Artwell Cain, tel. 0031 10 4518063/0031 6 23237967

26/10/2007

Artwell Cain

research

Urban Policy

Social inclusion & integration