Racialization, Racial /Ethnic Identity, and the Integration of Immigrants

A special issue of Genealogy (ISSN 2313-5778). This special issue belongs to the section "Genealogical Communities: Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Racial, and Multi-National Genealogies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 5708

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Sociology, Canisius University, Buffalo, NY 14208, USA
Interests: race and ethnicity; identity; international migration; immigrant integration; diversity; refugees; acculturation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A Special Issue of Genealogy now accepts submissions on the theme of racialization, ethnic identity and the integration of immigrants. The editorial team invites essays that examine how racial/ethnic identities are perceived, negotiated, maintained and reconstructed, and how racism and discrimination are experienced through generations of immigrants in racially/ethnically diverse societies.

Racial/ethnic identity refers to an individual's identification with a particular racial or ethnic (cultural) group. Racial/ethnic identity formation is a dynamic process that evolves as individuals explore, engage with and reflect on their racial and cultural heritage, traditions, values and customs (Phinney, 1989). Social and historical factors such as the size and status of the racial/ethnic community, power dynamics, opportunities, limitations for different groups in society, etc., can influence identity construction and the racial/ethnic identification of groups and individuals.

Ethnic identity development can be a perplexing process for immigrants and their offspring, who find themselves in a position of having to negotiate and harmoniously integrate the values, norms, customs and practices of their ethnic culture with those of the dominant culture (Rotheram-Borus and Wyche, 1994). At times, individuals may experience confusion and distress while trying to find a good balance between the ethnic and dominant cultures. Furthermore, the social structural context that used to be stable and balanced can be challenged due to changing political and economic atmosphere, introducing new expectations and limitations for racial and ethnic minorities. The racialization (the process through which social groups are categorized, differentiated, discriminated against or marginalized based on their perceived racial or ethnic characteristics) of some minorities due to political or economic crises or outbreak of epidemics, construction of negative stereotypes, etc., can make racial/ethnic identity a source of exclusion and an identity crisis for immigrants and their offspring.

As such, this Special Issue invites both empirical and theoretical contributions from relevant disciplinary backgrounds, addressing, but not limited to, the topics listed below:

  • Racial identity construction and re-construction of minorities;
  • Ethnic identity development of immigrant offspring;
  • Ethic identity negotiation/re-construction of immigrants and their offspring;
  • Ethnic identity and integration into the host society;
  • Racial/ethnic identity, integration and sense of belonging;
  • Racial/ethnic identity and experiences of racism and discrimination;
  • Racial/ethnic identity and mental health;
  • Racial/ethnic identity as a form of social identity;
  • Racial/ethnic identity and scapegoating;
  • Hyphenated identities;
  • Cultural distance and integration;
  • Racialization process of minorities;
  • Social media and racial/ethnic identity formation.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors should initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 400–600 words summarizing their intended contribution by 1 October 2023. Please send this to the Guest Editor ([email protected]) and Genealogy Editorial Office ([email protected]). The guest editor will review abstracts for the purposes of ensuring a proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo a double-blind peer review.

References:
Phinney, J.S. Stages of ethnic identity development in minority group adolescents. J. Early Adolesc. 1989, 9, 34–49.

Rotheram-Borus, M. J.; Wyche, K. Ethnic differences in identity development in the United States. In Interventions for Adolescent Identity Development; Archer, S., Ed.; Sage: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA, 1994; pp. 62–83.

Dr. Secil Erdogan Ertorer
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Genealogy is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • racial identity
  • ethnic identity
  • racialization
  • immigrant integration
  • immigrant identity
  • identity formation
  • racism
  • exclusion
  • sense of belonging

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 744 KiB  
Article
Dɛnkyɛm: Identity Development and Negotiation Among 1.5-Generation Ghanaian American Millennials
by Jakia Marie
Genealogy 2024, 8(4), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy8040126 - 1 Oct 2024
Viewed by 573
Abstract
Ghanaian immigrants are largely ignored in U.S.-based scholarship. Within this qualitative study, I explored the experiences of 1.5-generation Ghanaian American millennials with the purpose of understanding how they create, negotiate, and re-create identities. Using a phenomenological approach, I examined the experiences of eight [...] Read more.
Ghanaian immigrants are largely ignored in U.S.-based scholarship. Within this qualitative study, I explored the experiences of 1.5-generation Ghanaian American millennials with the purpose of understanding how they create, negotiate, and re-create identities. Using a phenomenological approach, I examined the experiences of eight individuals to specifically understand the creation and negotiation of national, ethnic, and racial identities in public and private spaces. I argue that the 1.5-generation is uniquely socially positioned and forced to code-switch and adapt based on age, race, and nationality, all while still learning to adjust to living in the U.S. The findings suggest that many individuals of this generation had unrealistic expectations of what life in the United States was like, which made the initial transition difficult. Participants also discussed a common theme of bullying at school and a distinct difference between their home life and public life. Racialization was the most challenging aspect of life participants faced as it related to their adjustment to mainstream U.S. society and revealed complex layers that are involved in identity development and negotiation. I close with suggestions for future research and implications for practice for scholars, policymakers, and community members. Full article
19 pages, 1306 KiB  
Article
Between Past and Present: Exploring Cultural Participation and Identity among Carpatho-Rusyn Descendants
by Andrea Rakushin Lee, Nicolette Rougemont, Philip C. Short and John R. McConnell III
Genealogy 2024, 8(4), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy8040122 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 620
Abstract
Cultural identity and participation play a critical role in understanding culture and its influence on different cultural groups. The Carpatho-Rusyns originate in the Carpathian Rus, which is in the Carpathian Mountains. The Carpatho-Rusyns are a stateless group, and many historically immigrated to other [...] Read more.
Cultural identity and participation play a critical role in understanding culture and its influence on different cultural groups. The Carpatho-Rusyns originate in the Carpathian Rus, which is in the Carpathian Mountains. The Carpatho-Rusyns are a stateless group, and many historically immigrated to other countries. This mixed-method study examines cultural participation and identity among Carpatho-Rusyn descendants (n = 51). Data collection comprised both open-ended and closed-ended survey questions. A link to the survey was shared in Facebook groups that relate to Carpatho-Rusyn culture, genealogy, and history. Closed-ended survey items were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while open-ended items were thematically coded. The findings indicate that most participants do not align with particular Carpatho-Rusyn groups, yet many still uphold cultural traditions, especially related to food and holidays. Qualitative insights emphasize the significance of cultural pride and distinction. Ultimately, this study highlights unique facets of Carpatho-Rusyn heritage and its lasting importance for descendants living in various countries, especially the United States. Finally, this paper concludes with practical implications that center on the importance of developing educational programs, community engagement strategies, and cultural awareness initiatives to preserve and promote the culture. Full article
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21 pages, 593 KiB  
Article
Racism and Mental Health: Examining the Psychological Toll of Anti-Asian Racism during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Secil E. Ertorer
Genealogy 2024, 8(3), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy8030098 - 2 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1234
Abstract
The current study examines the links between anxiety and depression symptoms and COVID-19-related racism amongst Asian Americans living in western New York, United States. Based on the findings of survey data (n = 333) and in corroboration with minority stress theory, all [...] Read more.
The current study examines the links between anxiety and depression symptoms and COVID-19-related racism amongst Asian Americans living in western New York, United States. Based on the findings of survey data (n = 333) and in corroboration with minority stress theory, all forms of racism are positively correlated with anxiety and depression levels. There are differences across different forms of racism. Experiences of avoidance and verbal harassment are primarily linked to increased levels of anxiety, while encountering discrimination in business and social settings is more likely to contribute to depression. Indirect discrimination and stigma consciousness tend to heighten anxiety more than depression. Moreover, individuals who are native-born and female tend to report worse mental health outcomes than those who are foreign-born Asians or males. There is a contrasting relationship with income, where higher earnings are linked to reduced depression but can correlate with more significant anxiety. The study findings reveal that COVID-19-related racism may lead to stigma consciousness, race- and racism-based stress, anxiety, and depression. The study contributes to the literature by connecting theories on mental health effects of racism, as well as by distinguishing the links between different forms and intensities of racism and mental well-being, rather than treating all racism as uniform. Considering the detrimental effects on mental health, public policies must confront and address racial prejudice and discrimination that individuals from marginalized communities encounter, particularly during times of crisis. Full article
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21 pages, 757 KiB  
Article
Employment Barriers for Racialized Immigrants: A Review of Economic and Social Integration Support and Gaps in Edmonton, Alberta
by Doriane Intungane, Jennifer Long, Hellen Gateri and Rita Dhungel
Genealogy 2024, 8(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy8020040 - 9 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2104
Abstract
This article explores the strategies used by government-sponsored institutions dedicated to addressing systemic barriers to employment for racialized immigrants in Edmonton. The research involved conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with service providers, employment program coordinators from different settlement and employment agencies, and a research [...] Read more.
This article explores the strategies used by government-sponsored institutions dedicated to addressing systemic barriers to employment for racialized immigrants in Edmonton. The research involved conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with service providers, employment program coordinators from different settlement and employment agencies, and a research and training centre operating in Edmonton, Alberta. The first objective is to understand the barriers racialized immigrants face through the hiring and promotion process. The second objective is to understand the support provided by those institutions and the impact of their equity policies on how they assist racialized Canadians in finding gainful employment. Lastly, this study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement on the employment of racialized immigrants in Edmonton. The results show that around 50% of employment service providers acknowledged that visible minority immigrants face barriers while integrating into the labour market, including racial microaggressions in their jobs. In addition, the findings indicate a lack of programs tailored to the needs of racialized job seekers. Participants in this study reported that the Black Lives Matter movement raised awareness among employers regarding racial issues in the workplace. Hence, there is a demonstrated need for employers to undergo training to recognize and address racism in hiring, promoting, and retaining racialized employees at Canadian workplaces. Interviewees recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted racialized employees and newcomers. They recommended that Canadian companies establish educational programs that emphasize the importance and benefits of racial diversity, equity, and inclusion in the hiring process. Full article
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