Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine how Swedish youth a) experience diversity and b) link those diversity experiences to their identities. Using a mixed-method approach, we coded written narratives for type of diversity experience, meaning-making, and analyzed qualitative differences due to the proximity of the setting and self-defined in- and outgroups. Out of 197 participants (age 15–29), 63 (31.5%) wrote about diversity in their narratives, and of those, 55 (87%) derived meaning about themselves or others. Qualitative differences were found between participants who self-identified with a majority, minority, or mixed ethnic identities. Youth who identified with a majority identity generally experienced being in the majority in the macro-setting while a lack of diversity in their micro-settings, and mainly derived meanings related to the ethnic identities of others. Youth who identified with minority or mixed ethnic identities, experienced being the minority in both micro- and macro-settings, and mainly derived meanings related to their own ethnic identity, such as enhanced identities or issues of belongingness. Results suggest that experiences of diversity trigger ethnic identity development, however, in a segregated society with unequal opportunities and power relations, those experiences and how they inform ethnic identity significantly vary significantly due to background.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 109-125 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Identity |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Preparation of this manuscript was supported by an Innovative Small Grant from the Society for Research on Adolescence, a University of Minnesota Grant-in-Aid, and a University of Minnesota Grand Challenges Research Grant, all awarded to Moin Syed. We would like to thank the participants for taking the time to participate and for sharing insights into their lives. We would also like to thank the researchers and research assistants involved in the GREEN project.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Keywords
- Ethnic identity
- meaning making
- mixed-method approach
- narratives
- subjective ethnic diversity