Despite the extensive research and policy focusing on labor market integration, the clustering of immigrants in elementary occupations is still apparent in many countries, including countries like Norway, where social equality is enshrined. In this study, we focused on two less researched factors for this, positive stereotypes and immigrants’ dual frame of reference to investigate their impact on immigrants’ clustering in elementary occupations. The present study draws heavily upon two influential theories in labor market integration and discrimination, namely, statistical discrimination theory and Piore's dual frame of reference theory. Based on qualitative data collected from a highly immigrant-concentrated industry in Kristiansand, Norway - the hospitality industry - the paper describes how positive stereotypes and immigrant workers' frames of reference contribute to immigrants' clustering in elementary occupations.
According to previous studies, statistical discrimination, which refers to making hiring decisions based on previous experiences, stereotypes, particularly negative stereotypes, are among the major factors affecting immigrants’ clustering in elementary occupations. However, this study describes how positive stereotypes also lead to statistical discrimination and affect the immigrants’ clustering in elementary occupations. Further, considering immigrants’ dual frames of reference, this study demonstrates that the referencing points of immigrants cannot be limited to their home and host countries. Moreover, when comparing their reference points, immigrants consider financial benefits and social and cultural factors. Therefore, this study proposes “value aspects of immigrants’ frames of reference” as an extension of Piore’s dual frame of reference theory.