Abstract

EGREJA, Catarina  and  PEIXOTO, João. Limited options or blocked mobility?: The socio-professional mobility of Brazilian immigrants in Portugal. Sociologia, Problemas e Práticas [online]. 2011, n.67, pp.43-64. ISSN 0873-6529.

Though there is a long tradition of migration studies in Portugal, specific analysis of the socio-professional mobility of immigrants has received limited attention. Based on a survey that was carried out in 2009 and involved 1398 Brazilian immigrants, this text seeks to examine this topic in greater depth by observing their integration patterns at three points in time: before migration, on arrival and at the  moment of the survey. The main issues in question are to assess whether trajectories of upward mobility exist, albeit to a limited degree, as the research available has suggested; whether it is correct to speak of barriers to these courses of development; and whether factors that may influence them exist. The results point towards limited upward trajectories, though consideration of the year of arrival and certain characteristics of the immigrants allows us to predict more positive progression.

Keywords : immigration; Brazilian immigrants; socio-professional mobility; labour market.

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