re-examination of universalistic views on acculturation through personal narratives

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20000135

Using an ecological and multicultural approach, this qualitative study explored twenty Latino(a) experiences with migration, and it has explored ways they have experienced living and starting a new life in mainland U.S. Participants were individually interviewed, and their voices, stories, personal experiences and perceptions are brought forth in this study. Several themes and subthemes emerged from the interviews that addressed issues of race, class, gender, ethnicity, and culture. The findings suggested that living and going through the process of acculturation is complex and related to a number of individual and contextual factors. It was also found that the ethnic/cultural/immigrant community has been a source of social and emotional support for them. A sense of belonging and group attachment has been especially important in helping migrants/immigrants unify and in providing a shared sense of community. The limitations and contributions of the study, and future recommendations for research are also discussed.