The categories per se of the "oneself" and the "self-identity" have been [re]defined and [re]interpreted by every culture, in many diverse forms according to their particular constructions, paradigms, ideals and values. The present research attempts to focus not solely in the regular process of reflexivity in a particular stage of live, but even more specifically in the living circumstances of unaccompanied youngsters with migration background. Children under legal majority age, forced to flee their country of origin independently or separated from the adult members of their families, due to personal threats, humanitarian crises, persecution, systematic violence or extreme poverty. It begins from a macro conceptual review in the field, of the relevant reflectivity theories. Among them, the classic Symbolic Interactionist theories. Finally, it intends to outline conclusions in the matter of reflexive identity as a topic which is never too early to approach from the standpoint of the youngsters themselves.
Table of Contents
The process of construction of reflexive identity from the standpoint of unaccompanied minors
Abstract
Key words
Introduction: Identity in times of crises
Methods and materials used
Results
Discussion
Conclusions
References
Research Objectives and Themes
This research investigates how unaccompanied migrant minors construct their self-concept and reflexive identity amidst the challenging circumstances of migration. The study explores how these youths navigate their self-identity while balancing provider roles within their families, adapting to foreign environments, and managing the pressures of their legal and social status.
- Construction of reflexive identity among unaccompanied migrant minors.
- Sociological perspectives on self-concept and identity in high modernity.
- Impact of migration and socioeconomic adversities on adolescent identity formation.
- The role of family obligations and provider roles in the immigrant experience.
- Adaptation processes and the development of group identity in host communities.
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Introduction: Identity in times of crises
The understanding of the self is among the oldest, and arguably one of the most complex topics to approach for humanity. The categories per se of the oneself and the self-identity have been [re]defined and [re]interpreted by every culture, in many diverse forms according to their particular constructions, paradigms, ideals and values. However, also at an individual level, the aim of understanding oneself as well as one’s identity from the very own personal thoughts, feelings and emotions, often turns into an intense, never-ending, incomplete pursuit for most, based in apparently simple questions as: who am I?, how do I define myself?, what identifies me? All of which can get as many different answers as times they have been asked by each person in the world.
The surprisingly varied perspectives from which these categories can be apprehended, have called the attention of scientists specially from the disciplines of Psychology and Sociology, who came into a basic agreement about the existence of an interrelation between the individual and the society in which it lives. For the area of interest of this project, some relevant Identity Theories produced from a sociological perspective in contrast with a psychological one were considered. Sheldon Stryker (1987), in his contribution to the model of Symbolic Interactionism, states “a sociological approach to self and identity, begins with the assumption that there is a reciprocal relationship between the self and society” (Burke, 2003, p. 1).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Identity in times of crises: Examines theoretical perspectives on self and identity, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between the individual and society within sociological and psychological contexts.
Methods and materials used: Outlines the qualitative research design, focusing on episodic interviews with unaccompanied migrant minors to understand their subjective construction of reflexive identity.
Results: Presents findings on how unaccompanied migration shifts identity configuration, emphasizing the significant impact of the provider role and familial obligations on the youths' self-concept.
Discussion: Analyzes the findings in relation to contemporary identity theories, addressing the challenges of identity maintenance and generational subordination in globalized societies.
Conclusions: Concludes that while life-threatening migration experiences create complexity, the provider role serves as a core concept providing significance and direction to the youths' identity construction.
Keywords
Self-concept, reflexive identity, reflexivity, unaccompanied youngster, migration, identity construction, sociology of childhood, symbolic interactionism, adolescent identity, immigrant youth, family provider role, social identity, qualitative research, crisis of identity, agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
This study focuses on the construction of reflexive identity from the standpoint of unaccompanied migrant minors, specifically analyzing how their unique life circumstances influence their self-concept.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Central themes include the intersection of individual reflexivity and social structure, the influence of migration on adolescent identity, the pressure of family obligations, and adaptation to new cultural environments.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary goal is to amplify the voices of unaccompanied youngsters and understand how they define themselves and their identity goals, moving beyond standardized adult interpretations of their behavior.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The researcher utilizes qualitative research methods, specifically semi-conducted episodic interviews, complemented by a macro-conceptual review of sociological and identity theories.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers sociological identity theories, the developmental psychology of adolescent crises, the living circumstances of refugee children, and a detailed analysis of findings based on interview data.
What are the key concepts that characterize this work?
Key concepts include self-concept, reflexivity, provider role in families, migration-related stressors, generational subordination, and identity fluidity in late modernity.
How does the role of a 'family provider' affect the identity of these minors?
The research reveals that the role of family provider becomes a core element of their identity, often prioritizing the goal of family reunification and financial support over individual career or educational aspirations.
What conclusion does the author draw regarding identity development in migrant youth?
The author concludes that their identity formation is not a chaotic or random process; rather, the acute adversity they have faced gives a specific structure and life goal to their reflexive identity construction.
How do the interviewees perceive their integration into host communities?
The findings suggest that while these youths navigate an adverse, often stigmatized environment, they find support and group identity through local community activities, leading to surprisingly neutral or positive self-perceptions.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Nicol Tobar Salazar (Autor:in), 2020, Construction of reflexive identity in unaccompanied minors. A biographical research with unnacompanied minors in Ecuador, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1521635
