The Racialized Exclusion of Young Immigrants and Migrants of Color

• In Event: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Building Systems for Racial Justice and Equity

Abstract

The importance of belonging in the early years is well established (Bowlby, 1969; Over,
2016). Yet, not every child is afforded belonging as a right. Whereas belonging is often
associated with positive development and well-being, being regarded as a neutral
process, belonging is, in fact, deeply political and often racialized. Within the context of
the United States, the seemingly neutral concept of belonging serves to safeguard
privileges associated with whiteness—“white views, values, and framing remain
normative, the societal standards to be adopted by children of all backgrounds as they
grow up and by new immigrants” (Feagin, 2013, p. 93).

Authors

• Mariana Souto-Manning, Erikson Institute

• Jessica Martell, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Karina Malik, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Patty Pion, New York City Department of Education