Abstract.
This paper examines two crucial aspects of the assimilation experience of ethnic minority immigrants in the United Kingdom. It explores the determinants of their English language (speaking) fluency and the key role such skills play in their occupational success. Our sample is derived from the Fourth National Survey of Ethnic Minorities undertaken in 1994. Uniquely this data contains an interviewer-assessed measure of English language fluency. Importantly, we also attempt to control for possible endogeneity bias in the estimates of the effect of language fluency on occupational success. We find that fluency is associated with significantly higher mean hourly occupational wages.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 26 November 1999/Accepted: 03 August 2000
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Shields, M., Price, S. The English language fluency and occupational success of ethnic minority immigrant men living in English metropolitan areas. J Popul Econ 15, 137–160 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00003836
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00003836