The effect of socioeconomic integration on life satisfaction among immigrants in Japan

• In Event: 3251 - Section on International Migration Refereed Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 7. Dynamics of Incorporation

Abstract

The number of foreign residents has risen continuously in Japan. While past work mainly focused on the entry of immigrants, little is known about the well-being of immigrants and their patterns of integration into Japanese society. To better understand the experience of immigrants in Japan, this study examines how patterns of socioeconomic integration affect life satisfaction among immigrants using the 2009 Survey of Immigrants in Shizuoka Prefecture. In contrast to assimilation theory, the findings suggest that social integration (formation of family in Japan and longer length of residence) has a negative effect on life satisfaction. Moreover, experiences of discrimination was found to lower the life satisfaction. In sum, findings suggest that while immigrants appear to establish ties to Japanese society, they are facing barriers to achieve the levels of integration that lead to higher levels of life satisfaction.
 

Authors

• Hiromi Ishizawa, George Washington University

• Hirohisa Takenoshita, Keio University

• Jie Zhang, Waseda University