0) This is a study about Chinese ethnic minority children, aged between eight and fifteen, living in two cultures in the context of Northern Ireland. By virtue of the combination of two underpinning conceptual frameworks, identity theory and the culture specific Confucian ideology, this study sought to identify what elements and factors are at play in the processes of these children's identity construction and the development of their sense of identity. The present study was conducted by using a multi-method triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative data from focus groups, photo-collage works, in-depth interviews and Identity Structure Analysis (ISA). These children's identity formation was revealed to be constantly negotiated and influenced by various elements and factors. Those are such as situated context of Northern Ireland in which the underlying 'otherness' resulting mainly from the differences in cultural backgrounds and physical appearance stand out, their self-perceptions, the 'Confucian heritage capital', their interpretations of the locals' attitudes towards Chinese ethnic minority people, and their struggles to fit in and attempts to cope with realities. Particularly, the children's collective opinions of 'I don't feel properly understood by the locals' bear of great significance for their identity construction and the possible modes of integration into the wider world. The children maintained a positive attitude of 'having the best of both worlds in me' and retained a reinforced importance of heritage culture along with a strong sense of belonging to it. The family were found to be the most significant others for the children than their friends and helped them maintain their Chinese identity. All these factors and elements are closely engaged in the processes of the formation and evolution of their identity.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:557659 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Lee, S. |
| Publisher | Queen's University Belfast |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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