TY  - CHAP
AB  - Purpose Empirical studies show substantial variation across immigrants in the rate and direction of assimilation along various dimensions (e.g., cross-ethnic contact, language, identity). To explain this variation, past research has focused on identifying exogenous factors, such as discrimination, human capital, and settlement intention. In this chapter we argue that variation in immigrant outcomes emerges endogenously through positive interaction effects between dimensions of assimilation. We propose a new assimilation model in which processes of social influence and selection into congruent social environments give rise to multiple long-term equilibria. In this model, migrants who are already assimilated along many dimensions tend to also adapt along other dimensions, while less assimilated migrants become more strongly embedded in their ethnic group.Design/methodology/approach To test the assimilation model, we derive a number of hypotheses, which we evaluate using trend analysis and dynamic panel regression on data from the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada.Findings The data mostly confirm the hypotheses, providing overall support for the assimilation model.Research implications Our theory and findings suggest that immigrants would follow divergent assimilation trajectories even in the absence of a priori population heterogeneity in external factors.Social implications The positive interaction effects between cultural and structural dimensions of assimilation suggest that mixed policies that promote integration while seeking to prevent loss of identity go against the natural tendency for cultural and structural assimilation to go hand in hand.Originality/value The present chapter proposes a novel model of immigrant assimilation and an empirical test.
VL  - 30
SN  - 978-1-78190-976-8/0882-6145
DO  - 10.1108/S0882-6145(2013)0000030010
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/S0882-6145(2013)0000030010
AU  - van de Rijt Arnout
PY  - 2014
Y1  - 2014/01/01
TI  - Selection and Influence in the Assimilation Process of Immigrants
T2  - Advances in Group Processes
T3  - Advances in Group Processes
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 157
EP  - 193
Y2  - 2024/04/23
ER  -