Identities among Youth in a Multicultural Neighbourhood

Migracijske i Etniĉke Teme

Christiane Perregaux¹  Abdeljalil Akkari¹  Filippo Cataffi¹ 

[1] University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland;

关键词: identity;    multiculturality;    ethnicity;    youth;    Geneva;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In this study the identities of youth, ages 11−12, who live in a multicultural neighbourhood in Geneva, Switzerland were investigated. In an attempt to capture the multiple dimensions that comprise these identities, the authors generated a methodological approach that allowed participants to describe themselves in their own terms. Using the metaphor of a flower, they developed a "cultural flower," in which respondents fill in the many petals descriptors they choose to represent themselves. In addition to this open-ended qualitative approach, a sociometric questionnaire was also administered. Three main categories emerged from this study: individual social identities, territorial collective identities, and cultural heritage identities. From these findings, it is suggested that the identities of youth in this sample cannot be reduced to only one descriptive element such as nationality or ethnicity. Rather, these findings suggest that youth have multidimensional identities that may be expressed in "youth culture" (music, clothes, sports). This study stimulates the area of research on intercultural relations by highlighting commonalties among youth from varying cultural backgrounds who live in a multicultural neighbourhood.

【 授权许可】

Unknown