Adjusting to Immigrants in Two Midwestern Communities: Same Outcome, Different Process

Objective. This article examines the distinct processes of accommodation to immigrants in two similar small towns in Iowa. Ethnic conflict and contact theories predict that the processes would be similar in these towns, but their experiences demonstrate otherwise. Methods. The study traces the histo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Social science quarterly 2017-11, Vol.98 (5), p.1731-1748
Main Author: Lay, J. Celeste
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Community
Deception
Ethnic conflict
Ethnic relations
Ethnicity
Group research
Immigrants
Minority & ethnic violence
Multiculturalism & pluralism
Neighbors
Noncitizens
Refugees
Residents
Social Research That Matters
Towns
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:Objective. This article examines the distinct processes of accommodation to immigrants in two similar small towns in Iowa. Ethnic conflict and contact theories predict that the processes would be similar in these towns, but their experiences demonstrate otherwise. Methods. The study traces the histories of these towns and uses surveys, focus groups, and interviews to detail the process of accommodation in these communities. Results. In both towns, white/Anglo residents came to accommodate their new neighbors and accept immigrants as full members of their communities, but the processes were unique in each place. In one community, earlier exposure to a small group of Laotian refugees gave residents and officials valuable experience with diversity. Further, this town was pushed toward acceptance when an outside group spread falsehoods. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that adjusting to ethnic diversity is a long-term process that is unique to a community’s experience with diversity.
ISSN:0038-4941
1540-6237
DOI:10.1111/ssqu.12349