ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to contribute to our understanding of the integration of second generation immigrants by studying their occupational and mobility aspiration in comparison to those of their native-born peers. Educational achievements constitute an important factor in the formation of both educational and occupational aspirations. Occupational aspirations can be expressed either in absolute terms based on a particular occupation or, more broadly, an occupational category to which one aspires, or they may be measured in relative terms using parental occupations as a reference. The two main characteristics of the Foreign Soviet Union (FSU) immigrants to Israel are a very high rate of tertiary education, including academic education and a very low proportion of immigrants. A comparison between FSU immigrants in Germany and Israel reveals that ethnic German immigrants brought with them somewhat lower qualifications and experience in occupations of lower socio-economic status compared to the Jewish counterparts who arrived in Israel with higher educational credentials.
