Multi‐layered analysis of Turkish Cypriot female solicitors' career trajectory in North London

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the career experiences of Turkish Cypriot women solicitors in Britain, by examining their choices of employment or self‐employment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a critical realist approach considering the macro‐contextual and micro‐agentic aspects of Turkish Cypriot women's career development. Applying “the instrumental case study” approach, it explores the career experiences of four Turkish Cypriot women solicitors. Case study material was collected through semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

The paper argues that one cannot talk of ethnic enclaves in positive or negative terms, without considering layered individual experience. Their life and career trajectory is marked by their ethnicity and migration that is characterised by dual processes of break with tradition and later return to tradition during which identities are tested and usually reaffirmed where Turkish Cypriots may rediscover their Turkish Cypriotness.

Originality/value

The study reveals that macro‐, meso‐ and micro‐effects are responsible for the polarisation of opportunities in the ethnic enclaves.

Citation

İnal, G. and Karataş‐Özkan, M. (2011), "Multi‐layered analysis of Turkish Cypriot female solicitors' career trajectory in North London", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 30 No. 6, pp. 510-523. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610151111157729