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Lori Wilkinson - University of Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB, CA

Lori Wilkinson

Professor of Sociology | University of Manitoba

Winnipeg, MB, CANADA

Professor of Sociology, specializing in immigration and refugee studies and survey methods

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[2014 Shanghai Forum] Lori Wilkinson Visionary Conversations: Refugees - Are We Getting It Right? E-Symposium: Immigrant Research in BC and Canada - Part 2 of 4

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Social

Biography

My research agenda focuses on the integration and resettlement of refugees and immigrants. My latest projects focus on refugees and their long-term labour market outcomes, along with the educational trajectories of refugee children and youth. I have also examined how immigrants use settlement services and in identifying the newcomers who need but cannot access services. Another project focuses on the long-term labour market trajectories of those arriving to Canada as children or teens. The rationale is that although we know much about the arrival experiences of adults in the labour market, very little is known about long-term labour market outcomes among those who have had some exposure to the Canadian education system. Other areas of interest include the health outcomes of newcomer children and youth and labour market transitions of immigrant women. I have good statistical and qualitative training and have provided assistance with a variety of projects including a study of the non-fracture needs of hospitalized Winnipeggers, bullying and victimization experiences of newcomer youth.

Key words: race and ethnic relations, immigration and refugee studies, citizenship, youth and school-to-work transitions, integration, settlement, research methods

Industry Expertise (7)

Education/Learning

Government Administration

International Affairs

Non-Profit/Charitable

Health and Wellness

Public Policy

Program Development

Areas of Expertise (9)

Research Methods

Race and Ethnic Relations

Settlement

Integration

Youth and School-To-Work Transitions

Refugees and resettlement

Immigration and Ethnicity

Multiculturalism and integration

Academic Integrity

Accomplishments (3)

Shastri Indo-Canadian Fellowship (professional)

2015-05-01

Shastri Indo-Canadian Fellowship, Visiting Professor Department of Sociology, Jadavpur University, India January to May 2015

Visiting Research Fellow (professional)

2004-05-01

Visiting Research Fellow, Refugee Studies Centre, The University of Oxford, Oxford UK January to May 2004

Professor of the Year (professional)

2008-09-01

Professor of the Year, Faculty of Arts, U of M September 2008

Education (3)

University of Alberta: Ph.D., Sociology 2001

University of Saskatchewan: M.A., Sociology 1996

University of Saskatchewan: B.A., Sociology 1994

Affiliations (2)

  • Director Immigration Research West
  • Editor Journal of International Migration and Integration

Media Appearances (15)

Winnipeg cops saddened by Dallas tragedy

Winnipeg Sun  online

2016-07-08

Race issues are clearly a factor in the shootings but it is the particular circumstances of the shooter or shooters that are most relevant, said Lori Wilkinson, a University of Manitoba sociology professor and race relations expert. “With any kind of incident like this you have to look at the individual and their mindset,” Wilkinson said. “To actually murder somebody is a step that even the most angry people on both sides wouldn’t take.”

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Winnipeggers positive about immigration: poll

Winnipeg Free Press  online

2016-07-01

A Probe Research Inc. survey conducted this spring and released in time for Canada Day found that six in 10 respondents described immigration as having a positive effect compared to just six per cent who perceived it as having a negative effect. "I’m not surprised," said Lori Wilkinson, a University of Manitoba sociology professor and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Migration and Integration. Winnipeg is similar to other Canadian cities, she said from Berlin where she's meeting with German counterparts to talk about Syrian refugees, immigration systems and conducting longitudinal surveys.

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Op-ed: Gates to prosperity: Welcoming Syrian refugees fuels economy

Winnipeg Free Press  online

2016-02-19

MANY people wonder why Canada is opening its doors for Syrian refugees when there is so much poverty, inequality and injustice in our own society. Leaving aside Canada’s moral and international legal obligations, critics of the refugees argue that they are an unnecessary expense. What most don’t realize, however, is that refugees are actually an economic benefit to our country. It's true there is an initial economic cost we must bear to get them successfully settled and integrated, but over the long run, the short-term costs are overwhelmingly offset by the long-term economic benefits.

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Winnipeg a diverse city of cultural change

MetroNews Canada  online

2015-09-17

There’s a deep history behind every cultural group in Winnipeg that contributes to the city’s cultural diversity. Twenty-two per cent of Winnipeg residents were born outside of Canada. It’s a number that’s hovering at the national average, says Lori Wilkinson, a professor in the department of sociology at the University of Manitoba, who specializes in immigration and race relations.

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“One year after arrival: Syrian refugees continue to face employment barriers”

Globe and Mail  online

2016-12-06

Part of a series on refugee resettlement in Canada, this story from the Globe and Mail identifies the barriers to finding employment among the newly arrived refugees.

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Sudanese refugee studying at the U of M discusses struggles and achievements

The Manitoban  online

2016-11-16

This article examines the experiences of refugees in Canada and includes helpful information about the challenges refugees may face when leaving their country and when they arrive in Canada.

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Immigration in Western Canada

Radio Canada  tv

2016-10-22

A short news clip examining the challenges refugees face when arriving to Canada (in English)

What are the challenges refugees to Manitoba Face?

CBC Winnipeg  tv

2016-10-17

This interview discusses the settlement and services available to refugees in Manitoba.

What are the challenges refugees to Manitoba Face?

CBC Radio-Winnipeg  radio

2016-10-17

This short interview provides information about how refugees settle in Canada.

What do we need to know about academic integrity at the University of Manitoba?

University of Manitoba  online

2016-10-14

This video provides information on why professors should care about academic integrity at their institutions

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Trust and Academic Integrity Closely Linked

UM Today  online

2016-09-21

This Op-Ed article encourages students and professors to think about why academic integrity is important both within the university and outside the university

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Comments on Dallas shootings

Roundhouse Radio  radio

2016-07-11

A short interview about racism, police and the Black Lives Matter movement in the US

Refugees: What do we know?

CTV News Morning Live  tv

2016-02-03

A short interview examining life in refugee camps and dispelling myths about refugees in Canada.

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Research coalition to examine the experiences of refugee children

University Affairs/Affaires universitaires  online

2016-12-06

A description of the Children and Youth Refugee Research Coalition team and their research on refugees in Canada.

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Une étude pour évaluer les services offerts aux immigrants francophones

Radio Canada-Edmonton  radio

2015-10-21

An interview about the unique settlement needs of French speaking immigrants in Canada's western region

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Articles (29)

Second generation youth in Canada, their mobilities and identifications: Relevance to citizenship education

Brock Education Journal

2008 Based on narrative data recently collected from youth's in three Canadian cities, our paper focuses on second generation perceptions of youth's identifications in a society increasingly influenced by the forces of globalization and how these perceptions may or ...

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Labor Market Transitions of Immigrant‐Born, Refugee‐Born, and Canadian‐Born Youth

Canadian Review of Sociology

2008 This paper examines the labor market experiences of immigrant-born, refugee-born, and Canadian-born youth using two data sets, the 1998 Survey on Labour and Income Dynamics and the 1998 Refugee Resettlement to Alberta Survey. Its main objective is to understand their job experiences as they are crucial to their integration and transition to adulthood. On a practical level, the findings help front-line service providers by providing additional information about the employment-related needs of newcomer youth...

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Advancing a perspective on the intersections of diversity: Challenges for research and social policy

Canadian Ethnic Studies Journal

2003 The influence of intersecting identity markers on the life chances of individuals has become a central concern to policymakers and academics. Governing bodies and various social institutions have a vested interest in accommodating ...

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Factors influencing the academic success of refugee youth in Canada

Journal of Youth Studies

2002 This study examines the education experiences of refugee youth in Canada. Using data obtained from a random sample of 91 refugee youths between the ages of 15 and 21, plus data from 123 of their parents, the purpose of this study is to identify the factors influencing ...

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Educated and underemployed: Refugee integration into the Canadian labour market

Journal of International Migration and Integration

2000 This study explores issues of access to high-status occupations in the Canadian labour market, with particular emphasis on refugees who were in professional or managerial positions prior to their arrival in Canada. The study is based on interviews with a sample of 525 adult refugees who were initially resettled in the province of Alberta between 1992 and 1997...

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Understanding job status decline among newcomers to Canada

Canadian Ethnic Studies/Études Ethniques au Canada Journal

2016-12-31

This article compares the job status decline among immigrants and refugees using their entrance class, province of residence and sex. Typically, all immigrants experience job status decline (the difference between the job they have in Canada and the job they had prior to migrating). The amount of decline is greatest for family class and refugees. There are sex and provincial differences. (article is forthcoming)

Are Canadian-trained PhDs Disadvantaged in the Canadian Academic Labour Market? A Research Note

Canadian Review of Sociology

2013-10-31

This note examines the country of origin among sociology professors in Canadian universities in Canada.

The School-to-Work Transitions of Newcomer Youth in Canada

Canadian Ethnic Studies/Études Ethniques au Canada Journal

2012-08-31

This paper examines the school to work transitions among a group of Canadians who arrived to Canada in their teens or as children. The prevailing notion is that those having acquired an education in Canada will have better labour market outcomes than those whose education comes from elsewhere. Our data shows this is not the case

Immigrant youth and employment: Lessons learned from the analysis of LSIC and 82 lived stories

Journal of International Migration and Integration

2012-01-31

This paper examines the lived experiences of 82 former immigrant and refugee adults currently living in Canada with a focus on their labour market histories. All have worked in Canada for decades and reflect on their experiences finding work, getting promoted and other aspects related to being an immigrant in the labour market.

Understanding job status decline among newcomers to Canada

Canadian Ethnic Studies/Études Ethniques au Canada Journal

2016-12-22

This article uses data collected in 2013 to examine the degree to which immigrants and refugees experience a decline in their job status when they move to Canada. Many immigrants experience a decline in their labour market outcomes when they move to a new country and Canada is no exception.

The mental health of immigrants and refugees in Canada

Edward Edgar Publishers

This chapter, co-authored with David Ponka, which appears in the forthcoming (2017) book, Migration, Health and Survival: International Perspectives (edited by Frank Trovato), examines the unique mental health issues of immigrant children, refugee children, immigrant adults and refugee adults. It aims to debunk myths about refugees and mental health by using data from several sources.

Why is immigration an issue in the provincial election?

University of Manitoba Press

2016-06-30

This short article appears in Understanding the 2016 Election in Manitoba, edited by Barry Ferguson, Royce Koop, Karine Lavasseur and Andrea Rounce. It explains why immigrants and immigration are important electoral constituencies, even in a provincial election.

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Identity and Belonging in the Second Generation

Oxford University Press

2017-06-30

This paper uses data from the 2013 General Social Survey to examine generation status on experiences of discrimination and well-being among youth in Canada. It finds an interesting connection: youth who experience discrimination actually have higher rates of belonging to Canada... a connection I'm continuing to follow in my current research.

How does sociology help us understand and combat racism in Canada?

Oxford University Press

2017-06-30

This chapter is part of a book entitled Reading Sociology, edited by Patrizia Albanese and Lorne Tepperman. Here, I explore some of the most salient features of racism in Canada today.

How do migrants become Canadian citizens?

Oxford University Press

2017-06-30

This chapter is part of a forthcoming book called Questioning Sociology, edited by George Pavlich and Myra Hird. In it, I examine various aspects of the integration process.

The Persistence of Credentialism and Racism in Canada: The Long-Term Labour Market Experiences of Immigrant Youth

Springer

2017-06-30

Much of the research on the economic integration of immigrants focuses on the immediate and short-term experiences. This paper examines the long-term trajectories of immigrants in the Canadian labour market.

Examining Youth’s Perceptions of Safety, Fear, Inclusion and Exclusion in a Canadian City

Nova Sciences

2013-01-02

This chapter, co-written with Yvonne Hebert and Mehrunissa Ali, appears in Adolescent Behaviour. It uses photoscape to measure the feelings of inclusion and fear among first-, second- and third-generation high school students living in Calgary, Toronto and Winnipeg.

Approaching Intersection: Individual Lives, Multiple Inequalities

Fernwood

2009-08-07

This chapter appears in Sean Hier, Daniel Lett and B. Singh Bolaria's book Racism, Identity and Justice: Dialogue on the Politics of Inequality and Change. It overviews the use of intersectional theory on understanding racism and identity formation in Canada.

Are Human Rights Jeopardized in 21st Century Canada? A Sociological Examination of Immigration Policies Post- 9/11

Fernwood

2009-08-28

This research appears in Sandra Rollings-Magnusson's book Between Terrorism and Human Rights. In it, I examine the fine line between human rights and social cohesion.

Diversity and Democratic Values: Implications for Public Policy

Peter Lang Publishing

2006-07-13

This chapter, co-authored with Yvonne Hebert, looks at the link between social science curriculum and public policy on citizenship rights.

The Citizenship Debates: Conceptual, Policy, Experiential and Educational Issues

University of Toronto PRess

2003-09-26

In this research, Dr Hebert and I explore how education can and does contribute to the development of citizenship and participation among youth in Canada.

Mainstream Adaptation or Underclass Absorption? The Integration Experiences of Refugee Youth in Canada

International Cultural Research Network Press

2002-07-17

This research examines aspects and markers of social integration among refugee youth in Canada.

Values for Pluralistic Democratic Societies

European Parliament and DG Educaton and Culture of the European Commission

2001-02-14

This report, co-written with Yvonne Hebert, was commissioned by the European Union. In it, we describe citizenship education and curriculum in Canada. It was subsequently republished in French and Spanish

Immigration, Diversity and Minority Communities

Oxford University Press

1999-11-25

Co-authored with Morton Weinfeld, this chapter examines the social institutions and their work in integrating immigrants into the Canadian economy, culture and society.

When it comes to migrant belonging and trust, it’s not about the Money, Money...: A comparison of Canada’s refugees and economic immigrants

Canadian Diversity

2016-12-30

This forthcoming article, co-authored with Jack Jedwab, examines the economic outcomes of refugees in Canada.

Does language, employment status and region of origin influence access to settlement services

Canadian Diversity

2016-10-31

This article, co-authored with four graduate students, identifies the factors that influence access to settlement services among immigrants and refugees in Canada.

A Matter of Need: Immigrants and use of Settlement Services in Western Canada

Canadian Diversity

This article, co-authored with Jill Bucklaschuk and Janine Bramadat, explores the use of settlement services among immigrants and refugees living in western Canada.

Meeting the Challenges of the New Century: Creating Common Values as Fundamental to Citizenship

Canadian Issues-Thèmes Canadiens

2011-04-29

This article questions how schools create curriculum to enhance values and citizenship education in Canada

Recent Trends in Migration to Third-Tier Centres in the Prairies

Our Diverse Cities

2006-07-19

Together with my graduate student, Alison Kalischuk, we explore the demographic trends of migration to Canada's smaller rural centres.