“I'm Not an Immigrant!”: Resistance, Redefinition, and the Role of Resources in Identity Work

Abstract

In this paper we examine the identity negotiation processes of North African immigrant women in France. Participants engaged in various forms of identity work, including selective association and management of appearance, as well as resisting others' attempts to categorize them as immigrants. Given that these women have chosen to move to France and remain there, this finding is surprising. Using the concept of the Not-Me identity, we explore how people can redefine and refuse labels that seem to be self-evident and to lack room for negotiation. At the same time, we examine how class and educational resources and other structural factors influence these immigrant women's ability to control others' perceptions of their identity.

Being a “Good” Son and a “Good” Daughter: Voices of Muslim Immigrant Adolescents

“…For girls, to different degrees dating and marriage norms regulate their heterosexual relations, while for boys there is a prohibition to engage in deviant activities (i.e., spending time in "bad company", smoking, drinking alcohol and taking drugs). Our findings about girls are consistent with previous studies that frequently documented that not only that first generation Muslim women take on a fundamental role in intergenerational transmission of culture (Abu-Ali and Reisen 1999; Giuliani and Tagliabue 2015), but also that a similar task is frequently assigned to younger female generations (Dwyer 2000;Gilani 2005;Killian and Johnson 2006). It is also apparent in our findings that educational concerns related to their future goals was the main normative issue for male participants.…”

“…Interdependence and obedience are core values that are needed to maintain harmony, solidarity and loyalty between family members. In this regard, many studies have shown that first generation Muslim immigrant parents strive to defend their own cultural roots when they encounter individualistic values (e.g., independence, self-sufficiency, self-confidence) in Western societies and actively negotiate choices for their children (Gilani 2005;Giuliani and Gennari 2014;Killian and Johnson 2006). Women in particular are the ones who have the responsibility of keeping the family together, even at the cost of the happiness of their individual members.…”

Hidden in Plain Sight: How Unauthorised Migrants Strategically Assimilate in Restrictive Localities in California

“…Rouse (1992, 35-37), writing on the disciplining powers of capitalism, shows how unauthorised Mexicans in Northern California adorn themselves with expensive wardrobes and cars to avoid detection. Outside the US context, Willen (2007, 18-19) documents attempts by unauthorised Africans in Tel Aviv to cover up the colour of their skin with hats and clothing amidst a deportation campaign, while Killian and Johnson (2006) focus on North African women's management of appearance to avoid racism in France.…”

Korean transracial adoptee identity formation

“…KADs' identity work would also shed light on if and how this impression management is similar to multiracial individuals' identity work around ethnicity (Khanna, ) or if it aligns more with whites' symbolic ethnicity or ethnic options (Gans, ; Harris & Sim, ; Waters, , ). Recent research on identity work analyzes how identity meanings can be reinscribed (Fields, ; Killian & Johnson, ). Using identity work as a frame may be especially useful here as KADs' challenge and attempt to redefine identity labels they do not see themselves inhabiting (e.g., immigrant) or of which they want to change the meaning (e.g., adoptee).…”