The role of comparative research in understanding the diversity of immigrant youth

authored by

Alison Eleanor Fiona Benbow, Lara Aumann

Abstract

Ten percent of all migrants were youth in 2013 according to the UN, which projects that this number will rise further in coming years. Consequently, we need research that can inform theory and practice on how to help these youth to flourish and fulfil their potential in situations of cultural change and negotiation. This is challenging, because immigrant youth do not form a homogeneous acculturating group. In fact, their experiences differ immensely depending on a variety of individual and contextual factors in the heritage and receiving societies. In this chapter, the authors present a case for using comparative research to uncover unique and universal experiences of migrant youth that lead to positive (or negative) developmental adaptation outcomes. They discuss theoretical and methodological considerations in undertaking such cross-comparative research providing examples where available. The chapter ends with suggestions for future research.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Psychology

Type

Contribution to book/anthology

Pages

144-159

No. of pages

16

Publication date

2019

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351040266-12 (Access: Closed)