Decentered Identity: Ethnic and Identity Dilemma among Ethnic Return Migrants in South Korea

• In Event: 3181 - Section on Asia and Asian America Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 03. Ethnic Identities

Abstract

Among immigrant groups, the formation and maintenance of ethnic identity is crucial for adaptation in host society. Many studies have elaborated the ethnic identity of immigrant groups whose race and ethnicity is distinct from those of host populations; however, little is known for those who share the same ethnic background as natives. Taking a unique case of ethnic return migrants from China who settle in South Korea, this study explores how the migrants negotiate their identity in the transnational context. The analysis of in-depth interviews with 58 Korean-Chinse immigrants in South Korea reveals that their ethnicity as Korean, which shaped in China, is questioned by native Koreans as ‘foreign.’ Also, their national origin as Chinese is not preferable in Korea partly because they are considered from ‘uncivilized’ country. The Korean-Chinese immigrants have dilemma in forming a distinct ethnic identity due to their blocked orientation towards Koreanness and Chineseness. Findings suggest that among ethnic return immigrants, their identity work depends on the ethnic politics of both home and host societies.

Authors

• In Seo Son, Korea University

• Hwajin Shin, Korea University

• Chang Won Lee, IOM Migration Research and Training Centre