Discrimination in an Urban Community: Immigrant Language and Culture as Precursor to Marginalization and Exclusion

• In Event: Multicultural Education While Considered the Other

Abstract

This paper emerges from a study investigating the ecological structure of immigrant families with young children in a Northeastern US urban city. We present findings from a probe into the relationship between discrimination endured by immigrant parents in their everyday life and various immigrant identity factors. A survey of 54 first and second-generation immigrants, suggested that immigrant families perceive their language and culture as triggers for discrimination. Findings included correlations between discrimination and demographic factors, family perceived strengths, comfort practicing language and culture, satisfaction with city resources, and mental health factors. Implications include the need for advocacy-based sociopolitical and health structures and policies to better support and safeguard immigrant families in their home and work communities.

Authors

• Madji Fall, Kean University
  Presenting Author

• Nicole Megan Edwards, Rowan University
  Presenting Author

• Zeynep Isik-Ercan, Rowan University
  Presenting Author

• Latifa Sebti, Rowan University
  Presenting Author