This paper examines change and diversity in the lives of Pakistani and Bangladeshi women
using qualitative interviews based in Oldham and secondary analysis of the Fourth National
Ethnic Minority Survey. There was clear evidence of change across generations. Most of the
older women had not been born in the UK and many were limited in their ability to speak
English. This, together with a lack of formal qualifications, posed a considerable barrier to
seeking paid work outside the home. In addition, many women had heavy family …

Pakistani and Bangladeshi women's low levels of labour market participation are well
documented by large nationally representative surveys such as the LFS. However, these
headline figures provide no insights into the processes that influence women's economic
activity and little indication of what change may be expected in the future. In general,
Pakistani and Bangladeshi women are relatively recent migrants, many older women having
followed their husbands as dependants once the latter found work in the UK. By contrast …