Children from Mixed Migrant-Native Families in the UK and France: What Shapes Their Identities?

Michaela Sedovic , University College London
Ognjen Obucina, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED)

We explore the determinants of cultural identity among children from mixed migrant-native families. While previous research examined intergenerational cultural transition, limited comparative analysis exists on the influence of a country’s context. By investigating remarkably distinct contexts of the UK and France, we aim to shed light on the factors shaping children’s self-identification and cultural markers (language usage, religious affiliation). Our research addresses 4 hypotheses concerning the dynamics transition. We consider the influence of dominant culture, patriarchal structure, time spent with parents, and socioeconomic status. This analysis is critical in bridging the gap between the importance of social diversity in destination countries and our current understanding of it, particularly within the intimate sphere of families. We utilise Trajectories and Origin (France) and the UK Household Longitudinal Study. Our sample comprises individuals born to mixed-families with one parent born abroad. Multivariate analyses incorporate factors such as parents’ demographics, socioeconomic status, and individuals’ demographics, and time spent with parents. Our preliminary findings indicate variations in use of immigrant parents’ origin language, affirming the role of women in preserving minority cultures as immigrant mothers more often transfer their language. While the prevalence of minority language usage in France is higher than hypothesised, we show evident disparities between countries. We also demonstrate links between the gender of a parent and a child in France, with daughters more often following the mother’s religion and vice versa. This study offers insights into the formation of cultural identities in mixed-families, contributing to a broader understanding of social diversity.

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 Presented in Session 14. Flash session Migrant Populations