The influence of intersectional identities on the employment integration of Sub-Saharan African women immigrants in the U.S.

Abstract

Using a triangulation theoretical framework, this study investigated the influence of self-reported social identities on employability and the impact of employment on the well-being of sub-Saharan African women immigrants (SSAWI). Regression analyses revealed that parenting role influenced the work status of SSAWI. At first, unemployment was found to predict a greater sense of well-being in SSAWI mothers and employment increased the well-being of child-free SSAWI with less than a postsecondary education. Years later, SSAWI who served in a parenting role were more likely to be employed, and employment status significantly predicted greater well-being in SSAWI. Culture-centered implications and limitations of the study are provided.

Keywords:

• African
• women
• immigrants
• health
• employment

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Sherin Asiimwe for her contribution to the initial review of the NIS data sets and Brady Brown for their support in the review of the literature.