Intercultural Relations and First-Generation Immigrant Students: The Effects of School Social Structures

• In Event: 69.057 - Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 69.057-2 - Identity and Formal Schooling

Abstract

This study gathered information from interviews with 13 first generation immigrant students from two Canadian high schools. Rather than focusing on personal aspects of intercultural experience, this study explored how the various dialectical tensions within schools, as posited through students’ own words, affect interculturality. Relational dialectical analysis showed that students experienced school environments that struggled with two dialectical tensions - receptivity/closedness and conformity-acceptance - which, in turn, indicate a potential variety of strategies for mediation. These include creating an accessible 'communication climate' and reconciling social expectations.

Author

• Sigrid Roman, Toronto District School Board