Understanding the Ethnic Self: A Qualitative Study of 1.5 Generation Korean American Immigrants
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https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1006Keywords:
Qualitative study, 1.5 generation immigrants, Bicultural identity development, Grounded theory method, Social-ecological modelAbstract
This study examined the experiences of bicultural identity development of 1.5 generation Korean immigrants living in predominantly White regions. Using grounded theory methodology, this study highlights dynamic forms of 1.5 generation Korean immigrants’ bicultural identities as both Korean and American. The study found that as these immigrants are largely influenced by interpersonal relationships and race-related discrimination experiences, they develop different forms of bicultural identity through five stages (from anxiety and fear to acceptance), differ from first- and second-generation immigrants. Through viewing 1.5 generation immigrants as a unique population with their own needs, the implications center on the opportunity to support 1.5 generation, Korean immigrants, in coping with negative experiences and developing bicultural identity across various contexts.
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Accepted 2022-04-28
Published 2022-05-13