Adaptation of Migrant Youth in South Korea: A Photo-Elicitation Study

• In Event: 69.057 - Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 69.057-10 - Recent Methodological Approaches to Broad Questions in Social Contexts Research

Abstract

A rapid increase in the number of marriage immigrants and internationally imported migrant workers in South Korea has led to a dramatic change in the demographic composition of the population. The present study examined how migrant youth in Korea portray their experience in a cultural context. Rooted in a social constructive approach and interpretive paradigm, this qualitative study utilized photo-elicitation to engage the participants in reflection and discussion facilitated by the images the participants created. Findings from photo-elicitation interviews with eight migrant youths suggest that they identify themselves as “others” stemming from various differences, and their awareness of the challenging situations and feelings of isolation was often linked to their strong motivation to be persistent for achievement and success.

Authors

• Soyeon Park, San Francisco State University

• Sungeun Yang, Inha University

• So Jung Kim, The University of Texas - El Paso