Identity formation in immigrant children and multicultural American society

Immigration and Immigrants

Applied Problem/Social Issue:

This paper discusses identity theory as a concept in sociological theory as related to immigration and immigrants. Should the United States continue to allow Immigrants to enter the U.S. seeking refuge and citizenship, when our nations states are already overly populated? Should Immigrants be allowed to enter the U.S. And work when there are hundreds of citizens and native-born Americans already unemployed and desperately searching for work? These are but a couple of questions that add to the conflicting messages immigrants and their children face in modern day society. They add to the increasingly complex problem of finding identity in a torn nation.

The United States is world known for its ethnic diversity, due in part to the immigration allowed over several years. Many people however, fail to find a means to foster inter-racial and ethnic identities, thus causing much conflict and a lack of a uniform sense of identity. The social issue relates to finding a common identity in a nation of multi-ethnicities. Children of immigrants are now coming of age, and from a social psychological stand will make the most lasting impression on society. The character of society will be shaped by their experiences.

In recent years there has been much outrage and dispute over the issue of immigration in within the U.S. borders. In past times, the U.S. was often sought out as a place of refuge and renewed hope for immigrants traveling great distances in search of a new life. However, in recent years economic hardships and the needs of native citizens have caused not only government officials, but also citizens to question the reality and smartness of allowing future immigration in the U.S. Our borders have become increasingly full. However, the U.S. has benefited from the influx of cultural diversity and influx, becoming increasingly multi-ethnic and multi-racial over time. The U.S. is often considered a diverse nation, a cornucopia of ethnicities and talents, due in part to immigration. Children that have grown up surrounded by such diversity face the complex task of ascertaining their role as influenced by the ethnicity of their parents and Americanization of their peers. Their behavior is often shaped by these experiences.

According to the article "Culture Contact," "Unless ways are found to foster positive inter-group attitudes, group conflict can undermine the principles of tolerance and social acceptance that are essential to the successful functioning of democracy. Social science has an important role to play in examining the impact of cultural differences and in fostering a climate of mutual tolerance and understanding" (Herrmann, 2000). The key to successful integration of the population of the U.S. will be finding a common substance to unite people of different cultural backgrounds and personalities.

Social Psychological Theory and Research

Social Psychological theory has indicated that children suffer more frequently than adults as the result of migration (Kao, 410). Research indicates that children have to balance the adult world of their parents with that of their peers. According to Rumbault in the Journal of Psychological Well Being and Education, children constitute the "most consequential and lasting legacy of the mass migration of the United States" (Rumbaut, 1995).

Solutions To The Applied Problem

How might society foster a more cohesive social identity for the children of immigrants, specifically in the United States? Social theory indicates that in order to develop identity, the children of immigrants will have to find a common ground between their parents and peers. School may be the first place to begin developing the concepts of self and identity. Currently school curriculum requirements do not necessarily entail much training in the way of diversity. Children may benefit from more instruction and activity in school related to this idea. They should be encouraged to share with their peers the unique nature of their own traditions, while also taught more about the heritage and history of the country in which they now live.

Rather than focus on ethnic differences, parents and teachers alike will help children foster more complete emotional identities by encouraging children to focus on their similarities, rather than their differences. All too often people fall into the trap of uncovering what is not similar, rather than what is. This simply fosters more confusion regarding identity. If immigrants and their children were more welcomed by understanding how they are related to native citizens, they are more likely to add to ethnic diversity and share a bonded cultural identity.

References:

Dion, Kenneth. "Social Identity and Affect as Determinants of Collective Action: Toward an Integration of Relative Deprivation and Social Identity Theories," Theory & Psychology, 5, 1995.

Dion, Kenneth. "Gender and Acculturation in Relation to Traditionalism: Perceptions of Self and Parents among Chinese Students," Sex Roles 41(1/2), 1999 (co-author).

Herrmann, Katy. "Culture Contact." Russel Sage Foundation, March 10, 2003,

Kao, Grace. (1999). "Children of Immigrants: Health, Adjustment and Public Assistance." Journal of Psychological Well-Being and Education, Pp.410-477

March 10, 2003

Rumbaut, Ruben. (1999). "Passages to Adulthood: The Immigration of Children in California." Pp. 478-545. Journal of Psychological Well Being and Education