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Immigrants’ National Identification: Meanings, Determinants, and Consequences
Marana Matei - Psychology researcher
24 January 2014
Verkuyten, M. and Martinovic, B. (2012), Immigrants’ National Identification: Meanings, Determinants, and ConsequencesSocial Issues and Policy Review, 6: 82-112.
What is the immigrant's identity capital? What are the factors influencing the dynamics of the social roles undertaken by the immigrant? How does the immigrant's relationship with the majority resound in the society? These are questions for which the authors propose pertinent answers based on research in this field. These answers, presented in brief in this review, can be the basis for relevant recommendations for public policies to meet the immigrants' integration needs. The authors not only provide material to inspire the reader to formulate their own recommendations, but they also provide recommendations for decision makers.
The central subject of this material is the duality of the immigrant's identity. This refers to the person's identity facet as member of an ethnic/religious group (in relation with the country of origin) and the identity facet reflecting his/her membership to the majority - the citizen identity (in relation with the host country). The immigrant's undertaking of their role of host country citizen completes the complex integration process in that it involves adapting to the new environment, mainly emotionally. The citizen identity refers not only to doing certain concrete actions which can be recognised/ represented by others as being "in compliance" with society laws, but also to symbolic feelings and actions in the private area which have to do with self-perception. The citizen identity is much more than being a citizen and behaving as such; the citizen identity involves behaving like a citizen in the private area as well.
Therefore the dual identity, as described by the authors, refers to maintaining different cultural features (ethnic identity) in the context of a global affiliation (citizenship identity). However what is the relationship between these two facets? The authors point out some research results which may clarify the relationship between the two identity facets. First of all, Verkuyten and Martinovici analyse the hypothesis that the citizen identity is built by emaciating the ethnic identity. Studies suggest that the national identity is not necessarily complementary to the ethnic/religious identity. In other words this hypothesis can be translated as follows: the more one identifies oneself with the ethnic group, the farther away one goes from the national group. However these two identity facets may coexist. Moreover, only when these are present simultaneously can we speak about real integration. In other cases the authors speak about separation, assimilation and marginalisation. As an exception, there are cases when the two identity facets are in a conflict of principles, and thus the development of one identity role involves the emaciation of the other identity role. On the other hand the national identity may be understood as part of the civic sphere, rather than of the ethnic sphere, and in this case the risk for an inner cultural conflict is reduced. In general the immigrant associates oneself more easily to the national identity when this is understood as a civic aspect, thus allowing them to maintain their ethnic identity and form a dual identity.
Furthermore the authors mention studies which seem to suggest that a low identification with the national group does not mean, as a matter of consequence, that the latter rejects him or her. Rejection from the majority occurs as a result of the de-identification process which is a reaction to a conflict between the individual and society or even a conflict of values. The de-identification process is different from the psychological identification process.
Based on the review of the nature and dynamics of the dual identity, the authors look at the facilitating factors for the simultaneous development of the two facets. It is thus relevant for the integration process per se to distinguish the elements which strengthen or weaken the feeling of belonging (to the majority). Although the list may continue, the authors dwell more on the perceived socio-cultural circumstances, the perceived discrimination, the identity discrediting, the norms of the affiliation group. The first factor: the socio-cultural context. The context which facilitates integration is a multicultural framework where the immigrant is appreciated, rather than subject to the pressure to forsake his or her ideas and values "brought from home" and to become compliant. The second and the third factor. The immigrant's discrimination and the discrediting of their identity result first of all in a stronger identification with the minority and a dissociation from the majority, followed by a rejection by the host society. This is a reaction to the feelings of inequity and personal devaluation suffered in their interaction with the majority. The fourth factor: the group's norms. The affiliation group's norms may influence the citizen identity in that "the affiliation requirements” are in conflict with the ethnic group requirements or simply, regardless of the host country values assessment, it is about loyalty and the pressure to preserve traditions.
In the end Verkuyten and Martinovici analyse the impact of the dual identity on the immigrant's socio-cultural accommodation to the host country. As regards the majority's perception of immigrants, research shows that they are more frequently positively viewed when they have a dual identity. Therefore the positive attitude towards immigrants encourages their integration. In addition the authors describe civic involvement as an expression of the dual identity, because in order to initiate actions within a group the person should identify oneself as part of that group and should have access to it.
Considering all elements the authors give in the end a number of recommendations for the proper formulation of public policies. The authors maintain that, as long as immigrants in general valorise and protect ethnic identity, which does not exclude national identity, public policies should be formulated with a view to inclusion, so as to facilitate the development and preservation of the dual identity. This involves a better accommodation of the immigrant to the host country and a better evaluation of immigrants by the majority. Another recommendation refers to formulating the national identity as a civic rather than an ethnic one, as this identity can be more easily accommodated by immigrants. National identity, as made public in the political discourse and in legislation, should be formulated with a view to cultural diversity. The authors synthesise these principles in the following words: "those who feel accepted will be more willing to belong". Formulating a public policy to encourage the immigrant's dual identity is not an easy job, all the more when the equation also includes issues of religion or discrimination; however it is desirable to have in mind the dual identity.
What is the immigrant's identity capital? What are the factors influencing the dynamics of the social roles undertaken by the immigrant? How does the immigrant's relationship with the majority resound in the society? These are questions for which the authors propose pertinent answers based on research in this field. These answers, presented in brief in this review, can be the basis for relevant recommendations for public policies to meet the immigrants' integration needs. The authors not only provide material to inspire the reader to formulate their own recommendations, but they also provide recommendations for decision makers.
The central subject of this material is the duality of the immigrant's identity. This refers to the person's identity facet as member of an ethnic/religious group (in relation with the country of origin) and the identity facet reflecting his/her membership to the majority - the citizen identity (in relation with the host country). The immigrant's undertaking of their role of host country citizen completes the complex integration process in that it involves adapting to the new environment, mainly emotionally. The citizen identity refers not only to doing certain concrete actions which can be recognised/ represented by others as being "in compliance" with society laws, but also to symbolic feelings and actions in the private area which have to do with self-perception. The citizen identity is much more than being a citizen and behaving as such; the citizen identity involves behaving like a citizen in the private area as well.
Therefore the dual identity, as described by the authors, refers to maintaining different cultural features (ethnic identity) in the context of a global affiliation (citizenship identity). However what is the relationship between these two facets? The authors point out some research results which may clarify the relationship between the two identity facets. First of all, Verkuyten and Martinovici analyse the hypothesis that the citizen identity is built by emaciating the ethnic identity. Studies suggest that the national identity is not necessarily complementary to the ethnic/religious identity. In other words this hypothesis can be translated as follows: the more one identifies oneself with the ethnic group, the farther away one goes from the national group. However these two identity facets may coexist. Moreover, only when these are present simultaneously can we speak about real integration. In other cases the authors speak about separation, assimilation and marginalisation. As an exception, there are cases when the two identity facets are in a conflict of principles, and thus the development of one identity role involves the emaciation of the other identity role. On the other hand the national identity may be understood as part of the civic sphere, rather than of the ethnic sphere, and in this case the risk for an inner cultural conflict is reduced. In general the immigrant associates oneself more easily to the national identity when this is understood as a civic aspect, thus allowing them to maintain their ethnic identity and form a dual identity.
Furthermore the authors mention studies which seem to suggest that a low identification with the national group does not mean, as a matter of consequence, that the latter rejects him or her. Rejection from the majority occurs as a result of the de-identification process which is a reaction to a conflict between the individual and society or even a conflict of values. The de-identification process is different from the psychological identification process.
Based on the review of the nature and dynamics of the dual identity, the authors look at the facilitating factors for the simultaneous development of the two facets. It is thus relevant for the integration process per se to distinguish the elements which strengthen or weaken the feeling of belonging (to the majority). Although the list may continue, the authors dwell more on the perceived socio-cultural circumstances, the perceived discrimination, the identity discrediting, the norms of the affiliation group. The first factor: the socio-cultural context. The context which facilitates integration is a multicultural framework where the immigrant is appreciated, rather than subject to the pressure to forsake his or her ideas and values "brought from home" and to become compliant. The second and the third factor. The immigrant's discrimination and the discrediting of their identity result first of all in a stronger identification with the minority and a dissociation from the majority, followed by a rejection by the host society. This is a reaction to the feelings of inequity and personal devaluation suffered in their interaction with the majority. The fourth factor: the group's norms. The affiliation group's norms may influence the citizen identity in that "the affiliation requirements” are in conflict with the ethnic group requirements or simply, regardless of the host country values assessment, it is about loyalty and the pressure to preserve traditions.
In the end Verkuyten and Martinovici analyse the impact of the dual identity on the immigrant's socio-cultural accommodation to the host country. As regards the majority's perception of immigrants, research shows that they are more frequently positively viewed when they have a dual identity. Therefore the positive attitude towards immigrants encourages their integration. In addition the authors describe civic involvement as an expression of the dual identity, because in order to initiate actions within a group the person should identify oneself as part of that group and should have access to it.
Considering all elements the authors give in the end a number of recommendations for the proper formulation of public policies. The authors maintain that, as long as immigrants in general valorise and protect ethnic identity, which does not exclude national identity, public policies should be formulated with a view to inclusion, so as to facilitate the development and preservation of the dual identity. This involves a better accommodation of the immigrant to the host country and a better evaluation of immigrants by the majority. Another recommendation refers to formulating the national identity as a civic rather than an ethnic one, as this identity can be more easily accommodated by immigrants. National identity, as made public in the political discourse and in legislation, should be formulated with a view to cultural diversity. The authors synthesise these principles in the following words: "those who feel accepted will be more willing to belong". Formulating a public policy to encourage the immigrant's dual identity is not an easy job, all the more when the equation also includes issues of religion or discrimination; however it is desirable to have in mind the dual identity.
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