Title: Transnationalism and identity development in immigrant and refugee youth: Challenges, resources, and project findings
Author: Mosely, Jenna
Date: May 2009
Description: Master’s Paper, Clark University, Department of International Development, Community and Environment
This paper explores identity formation in first and second-generation immigrant and refugee youth influenced by transnational practices and attitudes. The author draws on a year-long research project with African and Southeast Asian teenagers entitled Bridging Barriers. The research highlights the sources of challenge (race, gender expectations, and multiple ideas of what it means to fit in) and sources of resource (supportive communities, a sense of purpose and privilege, and a counter-cultural mindset towards race facing these young immigrants). The author concludes that transnational attitudes and influences are supportive of healthy acculturation. However, how long these influences will persist is unclear.
Keywords: Africans, Southeast Asians, youth, social adaptation
Cataloged by: Peter Nelson/ B. J. Perkins