Exploring adjustment mechanisms of adolescent expat kids from South Asia against sociopolitical stigma

Abstract

PurposeIn recent times, several instances of anti-immigration-related hate crimes and religious bullying have been reported where South Asian expatriates have been victimized. The accompanying children of such expatriates may find such hostile perceptions very difficult to deal with due to their tender age and sensitive ego, which may also lead to the premature return of the expatriate. In this study, a qualitative investigation is conducted to understand the specific problems faced by South Asian expat kids with respect to religious stigma and anti-immigration sentiments.Design/methodology/approachA latent thematic analysis was adopted as the research method in this study. Responses were obtained from 27 South Asian adolescent expat kids through audiovisual interviews.FindingsA total of three central themes were identified from the analysis: (1) coping against social stigma, (2) dealing with social isolation and (3) assimilating with host culture. The findings indicated that the expat kids from South Asia were mentally well prepared to cope with bullying related to the religious or political sentiment using several self-reflective orientations and through optimal use of technical resources.Research limitations/implicationsThis study applies a qualitative exploratory design. Hence, a follow-up study backed by quantifiable data is needed to enhance generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsCorporate practitioners may develop dedicated social media page for expat kids or an online community of such individuals as a support system.Originality/valueThe paper applies a critical lens on some deep-rooted sociopolitical issues which have not been addressed in extant literature on expat adjustment.

The global chameleons: the impact of early life international exposure on the career capital of adult third culture kids

“…Previously, TCK experiences have been analyzed from a variety of perspectives, including childhood adjustment (Banerjee et al. , 2020; De Sivatte et al.…”

“…An ATCK refers to an individual who has had such international experiences, meaning that an ATCK "is someone who grew up as a TCK" (Pollock et al, 2017, p. 404) and is thus able to reflect on the impacts that their experiences have had on their later lives and careers. Previously, TCK experiences have been analyzed from a variety of perspectives, including childhood adjustment (Banerjee et al, 2020;De Sivatte et al, 2019;Weeks et al, 2010) and coping (Van der Zee et al, 2007) abroad. Further studies have focused on how expatriate children establish relationships during international transitions (Adams, 2016;Lijadi and Van Schalkwyk, 2014).…”

“…The experiences of expatriate children have also been analyzed in cross-cultural (see, e.g. Purnell and Hoban, 2014;De Sivatte et al, 2019;Banerjee et al, 2020;De Waal and Born, 2021), international education (see, e.g. Fail et al, 2004;Poonoosamy, 2018;McKeering et al, 2021) and psychology literature (see, e.g.…”

“…Purnell and Hoban, 2014; De Sivatte et al. , 2019; Banerjee et al. , 2020; De Waal and Born, 2021), international education (see, e.g.…”

Mix and match: bicultural expatriates in multicultural Malaysia

“…Seen in this light, the internalisation of multiple cultures, rather than being a recipe for a global mindset, could be irrelevant or even detrimental, to bicultural expatriate adjustment. Some “expat kids”, for example, have been shown to experience isolation and social stigma (Banerjee et al , 2020), the impacts of which are likely to last beyond their childhood. These sorts of alternative views of biculturals paint a picture of individuals with something of an “identity crisis”, which can persist even into adulthood (Grimshaw and Sears, 2008).…”