Asian Population Studies
Volume 14, Issue 2, 2018, Pages 153-171

The acculturation experiences of Asian immigrants in Singapore (Article)

Mohanty J.* , Choo H. , Chokkanathan S.
  • a School of Social Work, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
  • b Department of Social Work, National University of Singapore, Singapore
  • c Department of Social Work, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Abstract

This study aims to understand the acculturation experiences of Asian immigrants to Singapore. A qualitative exploratory study using focus group discussions was conducted among 40 permanent residents and new citizens. Each of the seven focus groups had an average of six participants and lasted 1–2 hours. Immigrants described Singaporean culture as a blended culture featuring multiracialism. Their acculturation strategies were influenced by the way they were perceived and treated by the host society, based on their country of origin and whether they had been members of a minority community there. Although the respondents valued multiracialism, they also faced challenges in maintaining interethnic contacts. Implications for further enhancing existing acculturation models are discussed. © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

immigrants Asia Integration Singapore multiculturalism Acculturation

Index Keywords

Acculturation Singapore [Southeast Asia] immigrant multiculturalism minority group

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85041906446&doi=10.1080%2f17441730.2018.1429066&partnerID=40&md5=6a60e63fccb2b331939d87e967fec137

DOI: 10.1080/17441730.2018.1429066
ISSN: 17441730
Original Language: English