This text captures the profound unacknowledged crisis that is unique to children of first-generation immigrants, by virtue of their being caught in a world of their parents' culture of origin and their social experience in the United States. The book makes the case for three levels of adolescent crisis unique to this population, namely, the general developmental crisis experienced by all adolescents as articulated by developmental theories; the cultural identity crises experienced by ethnic minority persons as they encounter the layered racialization of American history; and, finally, the unique crisis that arises from conflicting cultural values and morals when first-generation immigrant parents, wanting to preserve native values, clash with their children, who seek belonging in the Western context in which they currently reside. The book traces the psychological, emotional, and social roots of the crisis. The authors, representing immigrants from different continents, portray the unique, ethnic minority challenges they encounter in coming to the US, exemplifying further the tri-level crisis. Finally, the book offers ways that parents can be proactive in helping their children navigate the potential tri-level crisis through ITAV (It Takes a Village) camps and family palavers.
Industry Reviews
“This book is valuable for persons working with and seeking to understand the psycho-social struggles of first and second immigrant ‘minority’ generations in the United States. The insights offered by this work will help ensure that all immigrant children and adolescents experience a deeper sense of self-worth, authenticity, dignity, and belonging in their new homeland.”
—Ruben Saenz Jr., Bishop, The Great Plains Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
“These authors provide multiple perspectives to address the complex topic of identity among various immigrant communities. While providing robust academic background, the book goes a step further in suggesting practical applications. In particular, the rite-of-passage approach for identity formation is extremely helpful since the ritual process provides continuity amidst transition. . . . If applied to immigrants, as suggested by the authors, this could be transformative!”
—Jay Moon, Professor of Church Planting and Evangelism, Asbury Theological Seminary
“This is an excellent book on non-white immigrants and their children in the West. As they face new culture and new challenges, they draw upon the ideas, beliefs, values, and rituals that they brought with them. However, their children who are shaped in the new culture pose new questions as they negotiate and seek to establish their footing in the new world.”
—Samuel “Kip” Elolia, Professor of Theology and World Christianity, Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan University
