Latin American immigrants and the environment: acculturation, information sources, and place

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines how acculturation – defined as the changes in cultural patterns after cultural contact between different groups – relates to environmental perceptions of Latin American and Caribbean immigrants living in Michigan, US. The study explores, via in-depth interviews, the roles of information sources, and the use of public spaces in the process. Results highlight that within acculturation, respondents either engaged in integration or separation – assimilation and marginalisation were not reported. Acculturation among study participants was largely associated with negative emotions, which was related in some cases with negative experiences in nature. Results also show that some immigrants are more aware of environmental issues in their country of origin, which could also influence how they think about issues in the United States. Finally, news consumption played a marginal role in informing those conceptualizations. Future research should explore the differences among this diverse group of people based on factors such as place of origin, identity, and place of residence.