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Wannabe Israeli: immigrants wrestling with their identity

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Dryjanska

    (Biola University)

  • Cheryl Zlotnick

    (University of Haifa)

Abstract

While some people have no particular problems stating in a word or two how they self-identify, others may struggle with this task, as it stirs up emotions, doubts, and deeper reflections. This paper proposes methodology for analysing short free-text comments in relation to immigrants’ self-identification. It builds on a quantitative study concerning migration to Israel by English-speakers, concentrating on a qualitative analysis of their self-identification in the light of 249 free-text comments. The constructs of anchoring and objectification from the interdisciplinary theory of social representations guide the interpretation of results obtained in a two-step process: classical qualitative content analysis followed by the Multiple Correspondence Analysis. The findings demonstrate that at least for some immigrants in Israel, self-identification appears to be a complex process, in which single and hyphenated identifications concentrate more on the negative aspects or challenges of acculturation, while self-identifications based on religion and social role focus more on the positive view of giving advice to others.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Dryjanska & Cheryl Zlotnick, 2019. "Wannabe Israeli: immigrants wrestling with their identity," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 53(5), pages 2557-2574, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:53:y:2019:i:5:d:10.1007_s11135-019-00871-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-019-00871-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ceuterick, Melissa & Vandebroek, Ina, 2017. "Identity in a medicine cabinet: Discursive positions of Andean migrants towards their use of herbal remedies in the United Kingdom," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 43-51.
    2. Karin Amit & Ilan Riss, 2014. "The Subjective Well-Being of Immigrants: Pre- and Post-migration," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 119(1), pages 247-264, October.
    3. Karin Amit, 2010. "Determinants of Life Satisfaction Among Immigrants from Western Countries and from the FSU in Israel," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 96(3), pages 515-534, May.
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