Abstract
Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory describes development in the context of multiple interconnected systems. This model is particularly suited to examining and contextualizing the experiences of immigrant families, as factors salient to immigrant family functioning are reflected in the various systems. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model, this study examined narratives of cultural identity among Asian Indian immigrant mothers living in the United States and their school-age children, focusing on the proximal systems in which Asian Indian immigrants and their children function (e.g., home and school). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Asian Indian immigrant mothers and their 10 school-age children. Mothers described cultural socialization in the home, such as speaking an Indian language, eating Indian food, celebrating Hindu traditions, and emphasizing academic achievement. Overall, children described cultural identity in concrete terms, referencing their identity in the context of their non-immigrant peers. Narratives of mothers varied, with some reporting the experience of becoming more American over time and others making efforts to maintain their Indian core, despite their attitudes not being in-sync with systems in which they operate (e.g., their child’s school and neighborhood). Overall, findings provide a more in-depth understanding of cultural identity and experiences of Asian Indian immigrants and their families in the United States and offer a number of avenues for further research.
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Raj, S.P., Daga, S.S., Raval, V.V. (2021). Using an Ecological Framework to Contextualize the Bicultural Experiences and Identity of Asian Indian Immigrant Mothers and Their Children. In: Chu, H., Thelamour, B. (eds) Conceptual and Methodological Approaches to Navigating Immigrant Ecologies. Advances in Immigrant Family Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-50235-5_3
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