Immigration, Assimilation and Migration

Post-1965 Immigration Trends

Increased diversity, more immigrants from Asia & Latin America, and emphasis on family reunification

Hyperselectivity

mmigrants are more educated or skilled than the average in their home country

Hyposelectivity

Immigrants are less educated or skilled than the average in their home country

Model Minority

Stereotype that certain minority groups succeed due to hard work and cultural values

Racial Mobility

The idea that some groups can move up socially and be seen as “closer to whiteness”

Latino Threat Narrative

Frames Latinos as dangerous, criminal, unwilling to assimilate, and a burden on society

Segmented Assimilation

Different immigrant groups assimilate into different parts of society (some upward, some downward)

Racialized Identity

Identity shaped by how society assigns meaning to race

Racial Socialization

Learning beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes about race from society, family, and media

Nigrescence Theory

The process of developing a Black racial identity

Pre-Encounter Stage

Devaluing Black identity and valuing dominant (white) culture

Encounter Stage

Experiencing an event that challenges previous beliefs about race

Immersion-Emersion Stage

Deep exploration and pride in Black identity

Internalization Stage

Secure, confident racial identity

Commitment Stage

Actively promoting and supporting Black identity and social justice

Racial Elevator Speech

A brief explanation of one’s racial identity or experiences

Sense of Group Position

Belief that one’s group must maintain its status and superiority over others

Racial Triangulation

Process where groups are positioned relative to each other (e.g., superior/inferior, insider/foreigner)

Navigating Interracial Interactions

Often involves awareness, code-switching, managing stereotypes, and avoiding conflict

Exogamy

Marriage outside one’s social or racial group

Endogamy

Marriage within one’s social or racial group

Interracial Relationship Trends

Increasing over time, but still shaped by social norms and racial boundaries

Racial Resignation

Accepting racial inequality as unchangeable

Rebound Racism

Reacting to interracial relationships or racial progress with renewed racist attitudes