Assimilation of Immigrants

Jul 22, 2024

Assimilation of Immigrants

Definition of Assimilation

  • Process by which immigrants or their children learn the language and culture of the receiving society
  • Aim: Becoming part of American society

Traditional View vs. Current Observation

  • Traditional: Homogeneous process, all immigrants join the American mainstream
  • Current: Segmented assimilation process
    • Upward Assimilation: Success, integration into mainstream society
    • Downward Assimilation: Integration into subcultures involving drugs, gangs

Key Question

  • Not if children of immigrants will assimilate, but to which segment of society they will assimilate

Research Study

  • Sample: Large group of immigrants/children of immigrants and non-immigrants
  • Grades: 8th and 9th grades in 50 schools (Southern California & Southern Florida)
  • Follow-up: Up to age 24
  • Aim: Determine success or challenges in early adult life and leading factors

Determinants of Adaptation Paths

  1. Parental Education and Occupation (Human Capital)
  2. Family Structure
  3. Context of Reception
  • Government policies
  • Public attitudes
  • Strength of ethnic community

Reception Categories

  • Positively Received Groups: Seen as 'model' minorities or have legal status
  • Negatively Received Groups: Often black or undocumented immigrants, face discrimination

Three Paths of Adaptation

  1. First Path:
  • High parental education
  • Good job prospects (engineers, doctors)
  • Example: Majority from Asian countries
  1. Second Path:
  • Less educated parents but cohesive families
  • Strong community support (social capital)
  1. Third Path:
  • Low parental education
  • Weak community support
  • High discrimination
  • Higher likelihood of school dropouts, gang involvement
  • 15-20% of children experience downward assimilation

Influences on Adaptation

  • Nationality itself isn't crucial; it's the associated levels of key factors

Successful Paths

  • Paths 1 & 2: Generally lead to success, less need for external support

Needs for the Third Path

  • External assistance crucial
  • Effective measures:
    • Voluntary programs
    • Significant others (e.g., teachers, counselors) involved in child's education
  • Actions:
    • College trips, SAT guidance, college application help

Conclusion

  • Programs and mentors can significantly aid those on the third path
  • Expansion of voluntary programs in poorer schools is necessary