Examining the Intersection of Race, Gender, Class, and Age on Post-Secondary Education and Career Trajectories of Refugees

Authors

  • Jaswant Kaur Bajwa George Brown College
  • Mulugeta Abai Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
  • Sean Kidd Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  • Sidonia Couto Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
  • Aytak Akbari-Dibavar George Brown College and York University
  • Kwame McKenzie Wellesley Institute

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7202/1055582ar

Keywords:

Canada, intersectionality, gender, racialization, sexism, post-secondary education, pilot program, career and education support program, forced migration, refugees

Abstract

This study examines the role of demographics on education and career trajectories of refugees in Canada from an intersectional perspective. It implemented a 14-week unique educational program that was completed by a total of 41 refugees, over two cohorts with the goal to overcome barriers, bridge gaps and facilitate their transition into higher education. The data collected using semi-structured interview guide was analyzed using a constant comparative method. The findings suggest that a supportive educational model that promotes safety, sense of belonging and empowerment are critical to combat the structural racism, sexism and other discriminatory factors in accessing higher education. 

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Author Biographies

Jaswant Kaur Bajwa, George Brown College

Dr. Jaswant Kaur Bajwa is a Professor & Research Lead in the Centre for Preparatory & Liberal Studies at George Brown College. She is also Principle Investigatir for the SSHRC funded project titled 'From margins to centre through education: Integrating victims of trauma and torture'. The author may be contacted at jkaur@georgebrown.ca

Mulugeta Abai, Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

Mulugeta Abai is the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture. The author can be reached at mabai@ccvt.org

Sean Kidd, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Dr. Sean Kidd is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinician Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. The author can be contacted at sean.kidd@camh.ca

Sidonia Couto, Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

Sidonia Couto is a Registered Social Worker and worked with the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture at the time of this research. The author can be contacted at sidonia_01@hotmail.com

Aytak Akbari-Dibavar, George Brown College and York University

Aytak Akbari-Dibavar is a PhD Candidate at York University and also Research Coordinator for the SSHRC funded project titled 'From margins to centre through education: Integrating victims of trauma and torture'.

Kwame McKenzie, Wellesley Institute

Dr. Kwame McKenzie is the CEO of the Wellesley Institute and a Psychiatrist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. The author can be reached at kwame@wellesleyinstitute.com

Additional Files

Published

2018-12-10

How to Cite

Bajwa, J. K., Abai, M., Kidd, S., Couto, S., Akbari-Dibavar, A., & McKenzie, K. (2018). Examining the Intersection of Race, Gender, Class, and Age on Post-Secondary Education and Career Trajectories of Refugees. Refuge: Canada’s Journal on Refugees, 34(2), 113–123. https://doi.org/10.7202/1055582ar

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