Participating in the ethnic economy and psychological well-being

Abstract

Although there had been various studies on the consequences of participating in the ethnic economy, there has been a notable absence of research exploring the life satisfaction of those participating in it. A 1998/1999 survey of Chinese immigrants in metropolitan Toronto was analyzed to measure the life satisfaction of those participating in and outside the ethnic economy. Those working in the ethnic economy reported higher levels of life satisfaction than those working outside it. Five models were tested and the results suggest that the life satisfaction of immigrants does not relate to participation in the ethnic economy when workplace factors are taken into account. While the study did not find any specific effect on participation in the ethnic economy and life satisfaction, it invites further study on other aspects such as job satisfaction.