“Knocking on the door to integration”: Korean immigrants’ stories of seeking membership in Aotearoa New Zealand society

Authors

  • Hagyun Kim Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol33iss1id821

Keywords:

Korean immigrants, membership, participation, social interaction, Straussian- grounded theory, symbolic interactionism

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: While citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand are granted full participation regardless of racial and cultural background, Asian immigrants appear exempt from the benefits of inclusion. For many, immigration is a stress-inducing journey with resultant socio-economic marginalisation adversely impacting on their participation in society.

METHODS: Theoretically underpinned by symbolic interactionism, this Straussian-grounded theoretical study explored how nine South Koreans re-constructed life after immigration. Semi- structured interviews were analysed using open, axial and selective coding.

FINDINGS: To re-establish their lives, participants gradually “knock on the door to integration” while retaining a sense of safety in their ethnic community. This process continues until they find a place where they are recognised as a member of society. In this sense, “seeking membership” is what participants try to achieve in the host society.

CONCLUSION: If we want to be at the forefront of efforts to address ethnic minority groups’ life-challenges, social work practice must include specific competencies in assisting Asian immigrants, helping them to master their new surroundings and endorse their equal membership in society.

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Published

2021-05-02

How to Cite

Kim, H. (2021). “Knocking on the door to integration”: Korean immigrants’ stories of seeking membership in Aotearoa New Zealand society. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 33(1), 29–43. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol33iss1id821

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Original Articles