The Acculturation of Arab Immigrants in the U.S.

1. The Acculturation of Arab Immigrants in the U.S. Presented by Mohamed Abu-Qaoud

2. What is Acculturation? • The process of adapting to a new culture • May involve learning the dominant language, adopting new values and behaviors • Debate with regards to relation to concepts of assimilation and integration

3. Arab-Americans • There has been little research conducted on the acculturation of immigrants from Arabic-speaking countries • Surprising since Arab immigrants have been coming to the United States since at least 1854, and they may number up to three million today

4. More on Arab-Americans • Represent diverse regions from the Middle East and North Africa • Heritage of common linguistic, cultural, and political traditions • Most (47%) from Lebanon • Only 23% are Muslim; majority are Christian

5. Acculturation of Arab-Americans • Studies suggest that Arabs find acculturation to be more difficult than many other immigrant groups • Especially true for those who are Muslim • Feel as though they are viewed more as Arabs, and less as Americans • Why is this so? • Look at the acculturation of Irish immigrants for answers

6. Irish-Americans • Today the United States is home to over 44 million Irish-Americans • About 400,000 Irish-origin residents were already present in 1790 • Greatest immigration during The Irish Famine of 1846-1850. • Initially regarded as inferior, and faced discrimination

7. More on Irish-Americans • Climbed occupational and social ladders through politically appointed positions such as policeman, fireman, and teacher • Second and third generation Irish were better educated, wealthier, and more successful than were their parents and grandparents • Example: Kennedy family

8. Acculturation of Irish-Americans • One of the most successfully acculturated groups in America • Many believe that Irish immigrants face fewer obstacles to the “migration adjustment process” due to certain characteristics of this group • Well-established ethnic communities • English-speaking Europeans • Share many American values

9. Factors Affecting Acculturation • Hypothesis: • Longer residence in the U.S., a high number and distribution of the immigrant group, as well as intermarriage will lead to greater acculturation • Distinguishing physical characteristics of the group, cultural and religious differences, and discrimination will lead to a lower level of acculturation

10. Length of Residence • Past Studies: • Length of Residence is positively correlated with acculturation and life satisfaction of immigrants • Comparison between Irish and Arab immigrants: • There were Americans of Irish heritage present before 1790, but most Irish immigrants did not arrive until late 1840s • Even though the first Arabs immigrated around 1854, the majority has not been arriving here until relatively recently

11. Size and Distribution • Past Studies: • Not much research relating size of immigrant group to acculturation • Dispersed groups have a higher level of acculturation and are more likely to intermarry • Comparison: • Arab-Americans concentrated in various regions of U.S. • Irish-Americans were initially concentrated, but sheer number and length of residence has led to dispersion

12. Intermarriage • Past Studies: • Intermarriage is positively correlated with acculturation of an immigrant group, but those that are more acculturated are more likely to intermarry (feedback process) • Comparison: • Irish immigrants are more likely to intermarry since they are more similar to the majority population with regards to physical characteristics, culture, and religion • As a result, Irish immigrants are more acculturated, and thus further likely to intermarry

13. Physical Characteristics • Past Studies: • Physical characteristics that distinguish immigrants from the majority population are likely to hinder acculturation • This is probably because they make the immigrants easier targets for discrimination • Comparison: • Some Arabs have darker skin tones, and distinguishing physical characteristics • Irish look very similar to the majority population in the United States

14. Discrimination • Past Studies: • Discrimination is negatively correlated to acculturation. In fact, the effect of intermarriage on acculturation is somewhat dependent on a lack of discrimination by the mainstream culture • In the U.S., discrimination against Arab-Americans is more tolerated than against other minorities • This is especially true following the 9/11 attacks, which involved Arab terrorists • Americans view Arab-Americans as “outsiders” even if they were born in the U.S., and can no longer speak Arabic

15. Cultural and Religious Differences • Past Studies: • Such differences are negatively correlated with acculturation • Intermarriage is more closely related to religion than to ethnicity • Comparison: • Arab cultures have more traditional cultures, and Islam is the dominant religion • Ireland is more similar in political and cultural values to U.S., and the majority religion is Christianity

16. Positive Aspects of Acculturation • Mental Health • There is a negative correlation between the rate of acculturation and scores on the depression and anxiety scale • The less acculturated an individual, the more depressed and/or anxious he/she tends to be • This results in strain on marriage and family life, possibly leading to divorce • Satisfaction of Life • There is a strong positive correlation between acculturation and a high quality of life in the U.S.

17. Increasing Acculturation • Dispersal of individuals from immigrant groups • Necessitates that the immigrants adapt to American culture • Increases intermarriage • Dispersal may occur naturally as the length of residence of an immigrant group in the U.S. increases • Reducing Discrimination • Balancing media portrayals of Arabs in order to diminish stereotypes • Educational forums for communities

18. Negative Aspects of Acculturation • If immigrants become completely assimilated, the diversity which makes America unique in this world could be dramatically reduced • Immigrants may lose their sense of ethnic identity • Problems within the family caused by cultural conflicts between children and parents

19. Conclusion • It appears that length of residence, distribution, and intermarriage all have a positive correlation with acculturation, while distinguishing physical characteristics, cultural and religious differences, and discrimination have a negative correlation with acculturation • Discrimination seems to be the most important factor affecting acculturation. While reducing discrimination will be a very difficult task that will take years, this must be made a priority. • I believe that the key for happiness and success for immigrants in the U.S. is to make the adjustment to the new culture while also maintaining a part of their ethnic identity