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Segmented assimilation, neighborhood disadvantage, and Hispanic immigrant health

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  • Akresh, Ilana Redstone
  • Do, D. Phuong
  • Frank, Reanne

Abstract

We use a subset of Hispanics from the New Immigrant Survey, a nationally representative data set on immigrants recently granted legal permanent residency (n = 2245), to examine whether the relationship between assimilation and health is modified by neighborhood disadvantage and, in doing so, carry out an empirical test of the segmented assimilation hypothesis. Results indicate that assimilation in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods can be protective against poor health. Specifically, more assimilated men and women in the lowest disadvantage neighborhoods have a lower likelihood of self-reported poorer health and being overweight, respectively; no link was found in higher disadvantage neighborhoods. Assimilation was not found to be associated with self-reported health for women or BMI for men, regardless of neighborhood disadvantage level. Overall, we find some evidence supporting the hypothesis that the effects of assimilation on health depend on the context in which immigrants experience it.

Suggested Citation

  • Akresh, Ilana Redstone & Do, D. Phuong & Frank, Reanne, 2016. "Segmented assimilation, neighborhood disadvantage, and Hispanic immigrant health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 114-121.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:149:y:2016:i:c:p:114-121
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.12.013
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    3. Christina Diaz & Jennifer Lee, 2023. "Segmented assimilation and mobility among men in the early 20th century," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 48(5), pages 107-152.

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