Assimilation Theory Research Articles

The Impact of Migration on Smoking among Colombian Migrants

Background: Colombian migration globally has had many consequences. This study focuses solely on the smoking behavior of Colombian migrants. This study addresses how the act of international migration impacts the likelihood of smoking among Colombian migrants. Smoking has been found to be the leading cause of preventable death, and so it is a health risk for Colombian migrants. This study pertains to the communities sampled in Colombia, where the migrants originated. Methods: This study uses the Latin American Migration Project to address how migration impacts the smoking behavior of Colombian migrants. Using logit regression, the statistical analysis predicts the likelihood of smoking among Colombian migrants. This study compares the smoking behavior of current and former Colombian migrants, which is compared to that of Colombian non-migrants. Because current and former migrants were surveyed, the study is able to control for health selectivity. Results: After accounting for health selectivity, the study finds that migration, as measured by time abroad, is positively and significantly related with the smoking of migrants relative to non-migrants. Additionally, this study shows that former migrants are more likely to smoke than current migrants, providing support for the salmon effect. Conclusion: This study adds to the literature on smoking by studying an understudied group, Colombian migrants, and provides a better measure of the impact of migration on smoking behavior by accounting for health selectivity and the salmon bias. The findings are consistent with assimilation theory, as more time abroad is associated with negative health behaviors that are common in the culture of the receiving country, but the fact that such behaviors are harmful to the migrant is consistent with the immigrant health paradox.

Assimilation Theories in the 21st Century: Appraising Accomplishments and Future Challenges

Over a quarter century has passed since theoretical debates surrounding competing assimilation models emerged, and durably structured research on immigrants and their descendants in America and beyond. In this article, I offer a three-pronged reflection on the contemporary state of assimilation research. First, I aim to take stock of the relative merits of segmented and neoassimilation theories and their ability to explain major empirical trends in both the US and Europe. I argue that there is now an emerging empirical consensus about the second generation in the US and Western Europe primarily experiencing intergenerational progress rather than downward assimilation as envisioned by segmented assimilation theory. I then note six analytical challenges facing further theory building: clarifying the role of race and better understanding how cultural difference shapes assimilation trajectories, rethinking the relationship between immigrant socioeconomic mobility and the experience of belonging, acknowledging the importance of immigrant selectivity in conditioning assimilation, facing issues of in- and out-of-sample selectivity due to processes endogenous to assimilation such as ethnic attrition and incarceration, and studying the third generation. Looking out and into the future, I note the need for conversations across methodological traditions and specialist subfields to encourage further theoretical progress and assess existing data infrastructures and future data requirements. Finally, in tandem with machine learning applications allowing for empirical surprise and abductive reasoning, I argue that the current era of data plenitude and unprecedented ability to collect high-dimensional surveys through nonprobability online samples is likely to lead to further theoretical progress.

Global atmospheric state analysis using objective Gaussian probability density functions

Atmospheric state analysis is a difficult scientific problem due to the chaotic nature of the atmosphere. Data assimilation is a framework for generating an accurate state analysis of a physical system using probability density functions (PDFs) describing uncertainty of information on the state of the physical system. However, since PDFs cannot be deduced theoretically, those used in data assimilation of atmospheric state analysis are based on empirical tunings. This PDF uncertainty limits the theoretical consistency and accuracy of atmospheric state analysis and that of all atmospheric sciences. In this study, we constructed a highly accurate and theoretically consistent atmospheric state analysis by objectively estimating the PDFs of all datasets (forecasts and observations) under the Gaussian approximation. We show that an ensemble of data assimilations with 192 members using the four-dimensional variational method and sample statistics obtained with the data assimilation theory (Desroziers’ method) can generate more accurate objective Gaussian PDFs, including flow-dependent forecast error structures. Numerical experiments of atmospheric state analysis and forecasts using objective PDFs were conducted and compared with those using conventional empirical PDFs. The objective PDFs had smaller error variances for most data (about 34% of those of CNTL on average) and larger observation error correlations for satellite radiances, where the strongest correlation was greater than 0.8. The analysed atmospheric states are systematically different, such as a cooler (exceeding 1.2 K) and wetter (exceeding 1.2 g/kg) low troposphere in regions characterized by low-level clouds off the west coast of the continents. The theoretical consistency evaluated by the chi-square-based tests showed a clear improvement from 16 to 95%. The forecast accuracy was improved globally up to 9%, with 95% statistical significance. The tropical cyclone track forecast accuracy was also improved about 20%.

Segmented assimilation trajectories of physician trust among internal migrants in Shanghai, China: A cross-sectional study

Physician trust is necessary for improving physician–patient relationships and maintaining an effective health-care system. Most studies on the theory of segmentation assimilation have mainly focused on comparing immigrants in different countries and few studies have applied segmented assimilation to clarify physician–patient relationships, especially physician trust among internal migrants in the context of Chinese megacities. A random sample of 1200 internal migrants was collected through an online questionnaire conducted in Shanghai from August to December 2021. An exploratory K-means cluster analysis and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to identify patterns of segmented assimilation and examine their relationships with physician trust, as well as the factors influencing physician trust among internal migrants in Shanghai. Results show four main patterns were revealed, namely first-generation classic assimilation, first-generation integrative assimilation, first-generation segmentation, and second-generation underclass assimilation, supporting the theory of segmented assimilation. Association between assimilation pattern and physician trust was observed. A relationship was found between assimilation patterns and trust in physicians. Migrants belonging to the first-generation classic and integrative assimilation groups exhibited a higher level of trust in doctors compared to those in the segmented assimilation groups. Additionally, undergraduate and postgraduate education attainment, an annual income of <400 000 yuan, visiting the physician ≥2 times in the past year, and self-rated health status before and after population floating were significant contributing factors for good physician trust. The government can implement corresponding measures to maintain physician trust, improve cultural adaptability instead of only at the economic level among internal migrants, achieving the facilitation of their understanding of the health system and health service utilization to increase physician trust.

Working together or apart? Exposure between natives and migrants in Danish workplaces from 1996 to 2019

ABSTRACT This article examines the extent to which the increasing ethnic diversity of Northern Europe’s population translates into exposure between natives and migrants (and their descendants) in the workplace, using Danish register data over nearly three decades. Consistent with the expectations of neo-assimilation theory, we find that Danish workplaces have become a common site of mutual exposure, including exposure between natives and two subcategories of culturally distant migrants. At the same time, consistent with segmented assimilation theory, we find increasing segmentation, even in a highly regulated Danish labour market. The distribution of migrants and their descendants in workplaces increasingly deviates from a (simulated) random distribution and we find increasing discrepancies between opportunity pools and exposure levels, particularly at the lower end of the labour market. By opening the black box of workplace composition, this article demonstrates the co-occurrence of increased exposure and labour market segmentation, with its potential to respectively facilitate and hinder integration.

What theories can be used to study hospitality and tourism consumers in the post-pandemic era?

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight unconventional or underused theories that can be considered for the study of hospitality and tourism consumers. The authors discuss how these theories can be applied.Design/methodology/approachThis research paper is conceptual and descriptive in nature. The authors address the proposed theories by applying the Delphi method.FindingsTheories such as dramaturgical theory, persuasion theory, script theory, customer inspiration theory and segmented assimilation theory are underused but can be applied to studies of hospitality and tourism consumers’ behavior. They can be helpful for understanding various aspects of consumer behavior, such as their decision-making, motivations, attitudes and perceptions, in hospitality and tourism.Originality/valueConsumer behavior is more diverse and complex in the post-pandemic era. The authors draw attention to theories that are underused but have explanatory power with regards to hospitality and tourism consumers’ behaviors. These non-conventional theories can provide new theoretical perspectives and offer new insights.

Migration, Partner Selection, and Fertility in Germany: How Many Children are Born in Mixed Unions?

For the German context, we investigate whether the number of children ever born differs between mixed unions (exogamous unions between natives and migrants or migrant descendants) and endogamous unions (unions among co-ethnics). Our theoretical considerations are derived from assimilation theories, which view exogamous unions as indicators of assimilation processes, and the framework on migrant fertility. The migrant (or descendant) partner in an exogamous union may adapt to the majority group, both partners may adapt to each other, or both partners may constitute a selected group in their fertility preferences. However, due to the higher likelihood of conflicts within the partnership and of separation, exogamy may disrupt family formation processes and depress couples’ fertility. Drawing on data from the GSOEP (1984–2020), we estimate generalized Poisson regressions. The results reveal that the number of children ever born is higher in exogamous unions than in endogamous native couples. This general pattern largely persists across migrant generations and regions of origin, but we identify gender differences. While fertility in exogamous unions of native women/migrant (descendant) men is not statistically different from fertility in native/native couples, unions of migrant (descendant) women/native men have more children, especially when controlling for socio-demographic confounders. Our results demonstrate that in the German context, exogamy does not lead to fertility disruptions, and is not straightforwardly associated with assimilation to the fertility of the majority group. Instead, differences in gendered partner choice patterns and life-course transitions may influence the number of children exogamous couples have.

NAVIGATING THE JOURNEY TO PEACE: A STUDY OF ASSIMILATION AND REINTEGRATION OF EX-OFFENDERS OF TERRORISM

Objective: This research aims to investigate and analyze the assimilation models of ex-offenders of terrorism and identify the factors that drive them to participate willingly in the process of social reintegration. Theoretical Framework: Using the segmented assimilation theory developed by Porter and Zou, this study examines the movement of former convicts through various institutions and social and economic activities has led to their acceptance by society or if they need to follow a different trajectory. Method: A qualitative descriptive ap proach, coupled with the phenomenological method, was employed to gain profound insights into the lived experience of 15 former convicts hailing from diverse districts and cities in Central Java, Indonesia. To collect the data, we conduct interviews individually and in group to gain extensive their trajectory experiences for peace. Results and Discussion: The results of the study indicate that two trajectory models occur in society as a way of returning former terrorists to a peaceful path: (a) the independent model and (b) the institutional model. The independent model focuses on individual roles and initiatives in the ex-offender communicating with the community through family, friends, or community leaders and religious paths to gain the trust of the intended social community. Research Implications: This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of social reintegration for ex-offenders of terrorism, highlighting the importance of both individual initiatives and institutional support in facilitating successful assimilation into society. Originality/Value: The study offers an original contribution to the field by examining the specific assimilation trajectories of ex-terrorists, providing a nuanced understanding of the social reintegration process and identifying key factors that influence successful reintegration.

A socio-linguistics Analysis of Semantic Changes in Sukuma Loanwords from Kiswahili Language

The purpose of this paper is to account for the semantic changes of Swahili loanwords in Kisukuma language. The reason behind this analysis is that the existing studies have touched this topic not deeply, hence offering curtailed explanations of the phenomenon. Cognitive Grammar and Assimilation theory were used as the basis of analysis in the study. The former assumes that lexemes are not stable, thus they can have both core and peripheral senses while the latter assumes that the two different elements tend to get assimilated into the related elements. The study used a case study design whereby Sukuma language was the case. Four Sukuma informants from Ngudu District in Mwanza Region, Tanzania were selected purposively as they speak Kisukuma fluently. Then, fifty Swahili lexemes loaned to Kisukuma were collected. Semi-structured interviews, observations, introspection and critical documentary analysis were used as instruments for data. The study revealed that the Swahili loanwords in Kisukuma have undergone semantic changes technically known as generalization, specialization and shifting. Based on the findings, the study provided certain conclusions and corresponding recommendations.

Assimilation: How Post-9/11 Government Tactics Have Hindered Muslims From Socioeconomic Integration

The devastating attacks of 9/11 left life-changing impacts on how the world viewed national security. The United States, at its epicenter, formally overhauled its government strategies and approaches in assured attempts to prevent such occurrences ever again. Thus, the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security and the implementation of policies reflected new behaviors towards individuals from certain religious or geographic background. While successfully eliminating the recurrence of terrorist attacks of such scale, these extreme approaches vociferosly affected the United States’ Muslim population —many whom have immigrated in pursuit of the ‘American Dream’— from integrating into society. This paper seeks to establish that post-9/11 policies have perpetuated anti-Muslim bias in the minds of the American people, thus impacting the Muslim population’s ability to integrate into society: measured by sections of Milton Gordon’s assimilation theory. Muslim-Americans are vulnerable to unjust constraints or responsibility for the extremist few, all by a governing body established to serve the interests of all its citizens. Studying the extent these tactics have affected Muslim-Americans highlight limitations of the justice system and reveal calls to action where adequate support should be given. Publicly isolating people ties a negative connotation to their existence, which can cause wider society to disassociate themselves from isolated individuals.

Error Model for the Assimilation of All-Sky FY-4A/AGRI Infrared Radiance Observations.

The Advanced Geostationary Radiation Imager (AGRI) carried by the FengYun-4A (FY-4A) satellite enables the continuous observation of local weather. However, FY-4A/AGRI infrared satellite observations are strongly influenced by clouds, which complicates their use in all-sky data assimilation. The presence of clouds leads to increased uncertainty, and the observation-minus-background (O-B) differences can significantly deviate from the Gaussian distribution assumed in the variational data assimilation theory. In this study, we introduce two cloud-affected (Ca) indices to quantify the impact of cloud amount and establish dynamic observation error models to address biases between O-B and Gaussian distributions when assimilating all-sky data from FY-4A/AGRI observations. For each Ca index, we evaluate two dynamic observation error models: a two-segment and a three-segment linear model. Our findings indicate that the three-segment linear model we propose better conforms to the statistical characteristics of FY-4A/AGRI observations and improves the Gaussianity of the O-B probability density function. Dynamic observation error models developed in this study are capable of handling cloud-free or cloud-affected FY-4A/AGRI observations in a uniform manner without cloud detection.

A generational perspective on owner-occupation rates among migrants and their (grand)children in the Netherlands

Classical assimilation theories hold that immigrant groups will slowly integrate economically over time over multiple generations, which implies that the (grand)children of immigrants will improve their housing market position compared to their (grand)parents and transition from rental housing to owner-occupation. This study uses unique data on the children and grandchildren of immigrants and native Dutch (‘third generation’) in 2018 to assess whether and how the descendants of large immigrant groups from the postwar era have attained ownership. The generational perspective is two-fold. First, we are interested in how individuals from various generations compare within and between origin groups (generational comparison). Second, the study also assesses the role of parental wealth and tenure in intergenerational transfers, i.e., ethnic and generational differences in the effects of these parental background variables. Our estimates from logistic regression models show that Surinamese-Dutch and Turkish-Dutch see higher predicted owner-occupation rates over generations, with some Turkish-Dutch groups having higher rates than native-Dutch. The parental background variables partly predict owner-occupation rates and explain group differences, which indicates the importance of generational transfers.

National Assimilation and/or Cosmopolitan Transnationalism? Impending Transnationalism among the Upwardly Mobile Children of Refugees

In sociology of migration, assimilation theory anticipates second-generations’ socio-economic mobility into the mainstream. In contrast, the concept of transnationalism predicts second-generations’ simultaneous belonging to the origin and destination countries. We draw on 118 qualitative interviews with second-generation Somali-Canadians whose parents were refugees to assess which of these perspectives best explains our participants’ experiences. We explore educational and occupational attainments and transnational practices. Our data show upward mobility and an absence of contemporary transnational practices. Yet, we find that our participants’ refugee background impacts their transnationalism; their parents’ forced departures as refugees and the ongoing violence in their origin-country lead to second-generation Somali-Canadians’ lack of transnationalism. Many, however, emphasize their desire to discover their origin-country at some point in the future. As such, to contribute to the emerging literature on second-generations with refugee parents, we argue that refugee background seems to push transnationalism into the future for our study participants.

Migration and Youth: The Lived Experiences of Russian Youth in Finland

The number of Russian immigrants to Finland has already been steadily increasing since 1990, when the President of Finland launched an initiative aimed at facilitating the repatriation of Ingrian Finns living in the territories incorporated into the USSR. Today Russian-speaking immigrants account for approximately 1.3% of Finland’s population. The segmented assimilation theory encourages one to explore the lived experiences of second-generation immigrants. This article analyses the data from qualitative interviews conducted within the framework of the field work carried out in the central part of Finland, from 1 October to 31 December 2021. Young people who spoke Russian in their family and were a part of groups where Russian is a tool of communication and used for the intergenerational transmission of cultural traditions were selected for interviews. The empirical data resulting from a study conducted in Finland provide insight into the factors that have contributed to the migration of their families, from the perspective of these young people. Applying the concept of identity as a “moveable feast”, this article focuses on the process of self-identification as depending, first, on the dynamics between inherited and obtained identity and, second, on the identity level (ethnicity, nationality, global identity) at which these dynamics are present.

Continuous monitoring of grassland AGB during the growing season through integrated remote sensing: a hybrid inversion framework

ABSTRACT Inverting grassland above-ground biomass (AGB) presents a significant challenge due to difficulties in characterizing leaf physiological states and obtaining accurate ground-truth data. This study introduces an innovative hybrid model for AGB inversion based on the AGB = leaf mass per area (LMA) * leaf area index (LAI) paradigmn in the Ewenki Banner region of Inner Mongolia. The model integrates the PROSAIL radiative transfer model, machine learning regression, LEnKF data assimilation theory, multisource remote sensing, and meteorological data, following a four-step approach. Firstly, we establish LAI and LMA inversion models by combining the PROSAIL model with machine learning techniques. Secondly, data assimilation fuses the PROSAIL-derived LAI with MODIS-LAI. In the third phase, a Random Forest predictive model is developed for LMA estimation. Lastly, the accuracy of the hybrid model is assessed using empirical data. Precision evaluation with ground-truth samples demonstrates that the assimilated LAI and RF-predicted LMA yield the lowest prediction error for grassland AGB (RMSE = 0.0033 g/cm2; MAE = 0.0028 g/cm2). This model framework addresses the challenge of limited prior knowledge in the PROSAIL-AGB prediction model, thereby enhancing the prediction accuracy while maintaining its key advantages: providing continuous observations at high spatiotemporal resolutions without relying on measured sample data.

Options Outside Unification through Military Force

As there is no academic consensus on the effectiveness of the cross-strait integration policy, the panel study approach was adopted to present an empirical analysis. A scale to measure willingness for cross-strait integration was created based on the theory of ethnic group assimilation. Four hypotheses were derived from the social contact, social identity, and rational choice theories. The results show that cross-strait integration policy is effective. The Taiwanese students’ willingness for cross-strait integration had increased significantly after visiting Mainland China. Following their visit to the mainland, if the Taiwanese students had a better impression of China, lower perceived hostility, higher evaluation of the Chinese employment market, and weaker stand on Taiwanese independence, their willingness for cross-strait integration was considered to have increased. This study makes an academic contribution by presenting an accurate evaluation of the effects of the CPC’s Taiwan policy.

تیۆرەکانى مامەڵەى فرەیی کەلتورى لە کۆمەڵگەى مەدەنى هاوچەرخ دا توێژینەوەیەکى وەسفی - شیکارییە

Contemporary civil society is dealing with an issue of how to deal with different cultures. This issue has led to the emergence of different views and opinions to discuss the relationship between society and different cultures on the one hand, and the relationship between diverse cultures themselves Different theories of cultural differences Some of these theories are about the merging and assimilation of minority cultures into the idol of high cultural values, including traditional or holistic assimilation theory, fragmentary assimilation theory, cultural integration theory, and cultural freedom or multicultural theory It opens up cultural freedoms and their protection, how these theories work and their relationship to the unity of society and state security, as well as different views on these theories with their approval or rejection and their arguments. Contemporary civil society's exposure to these theories has had different effects on both the collective level of groups and minorities and the individual level, as some groups or individuals have been willing to assimilate, culturally integrate, or preserve their own culture and values According to multicultural theory, different cultures can live without conflict and become the basis for coordination, development, social unity and preservation of the integrity of the state.

Differences in Time to Reported First Arrest by Race, National Origin, and Immigrant Generation: A Test of Assimilation Theories

This study examines immigrant assimilation theories by focusing on arrest during adolescence and adult life using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, a nationally representative panel study that follows children from adolescence through adulthood. The analysis compares outcomes for the first and second-generation of Mexican origin and other parts of Latin America to third- and fourth-plus generation (1) non-Hispanic white, (2) non-Hispanic black, and (3) Hispanic respondents. This investigation employs survival analyses to account for the timing of arrest and other events (e.g., graduation, childbirth, and employment). Results indicate the first generation, both of Mexican and Other Hispanic origin, are less likely to experience arrest than their higher-generation counterparts, regardless of race/ethnicity of the comparison group.

Trapped in Place? Ethnic and Educational Heterogeneity in Residential Mobility and Integration of Young Adults in Brussels

Spatial assimilation theory asserts that immigrants’ socioeconomic progress leads to residential adaptation and integration. This association has proven robust in USA and European urban areas through much of the twentieth century, but drastic change of ethnic and class compositions yet persistent (neighbourhood) inequality in the urban landscape urge us to reconsider the dynamic interaction between stability and change. In this study, we investigate to what extent education shapes residential mobility differently for young adults with varying ethnic and social origins. Focussing on Brussels, we use multinomial logistic regressions on linked longitudinal population-based censuses from 1991 and 2001 and register data for the period 2001–2006. Analyses show that dispersal away from poor inner-city neighbourhoods appears least likely for the offspring of poor low-educated non-Western households, regardless of their own educational attainment. While our approach roughly confirms traditional arguments of socio-spatial integration, it also reveals how educational success generates opportunities to escape poor neighbourhoods for some but not for others. With this, it points at the subtle ways in which factors and mechanisms in traditional spatial assimilation theory affect residential behaviour of young adults over their life course, at the intersection of specific locales, ethnic groups, social classes and generations.

Re-thinking assimilation and why it matters: an intellectual, career and life journey – Richard Alba in conversation with Paul Statham

ABSTRACT Richard Alba, the American sociologist whose research is known for developing assimilation theory to fit the contemporary multi-racial era of immigration, reflects on the evolution of his thinking, influences and future directions for sociology in this interview. In a wide-ranging discussion, Alba talks about his early motivations and personal experiences that brought him to the topic of assimilation and his way of doing sociological research. He then moves on to discuss the impact of Re-making the American Mainstream (2003), co-authored with Victor Nee, one of the most highly cited books in sociology. After offering his thoughts on the benefits and limits of cross-Atlantic exchanges on integration and assimilation, Alba addresses recent challenges from postcolonial and critical race theories. The conversation then shifts to examine in detail some of his contemporary views outlined in The Great Demographic Illusion (2020) and elsewhere. Finally, Alba looks forward to the next steps of his journey.