Selective Acculturation and Identity Formation: A Case Study of a Second-Generation Mexican Immigrant
Faculty Mentor
Kassahun Kebede
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
4-14-2026 11:20 AM
End Date
4-14-2026 11:40 AM
Location
PUB 317
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Sociology
Abstract
In the United States, the integration of second-generation immigrants to American society can take many forms depending on various factors such as schooling, language, and support from immigrant parents. This research paper uses information gathered from an interview with a second-generation Mexican immigrant to build and analyze their identity within the context of segmented assimilation theory. The findings show the central role of selective acculturation in shaping participants’ identity, demonstrating how retaining cultural heritage alongside adaptation to dominant societal norms can foster positive developmental outcomes. This case study also underscores the potential of Dual Language Programs as effective mechanisms for preserving cultural identity while supporting integration, offering important implications for future research and educational policy. Keywords: immigration, acculturation, identity, Mexican, language.
Recommended Citation
Caiceros, Andrea, "Selective Acculturation and Identity Formation: A Case Study of a Second-Generation Mexican Immigrant" (2026). 2026 Symposium. 7.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2026/op_2026/o1_2026/7
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Selective Acculturation and Identity Formation: A Case Study of a Second-Generation Mexican Immigrant
PUB 317
In the United States, the integration of second-generation immigrants to American society can take many forms depending on various factors such as schooling, language, and support from immigrant parents. This research paper uses information gathered from an interview with a second-generation Mexican immigrant to build and analyze their identity within the context of segmented assimilation theory. The findings show the central role of selective acculturation in shaping participants’ identity, demonstrating how retaining cultural heritage alongside adaptation to dominant societal norms can foster positive developmental outcomes. This case study also underscores the potential of Dual Language Programs as effective mechanisms for preserving cultural identity while supporting integration, offering important implications for future research and educational policy. Keywords: immigration, acculturation, identity, Mexican, language.
