고려인 중도입국 청년의 내러티브를 통한 사회 적응과 정체성 형성 연구

초록

This study examined how Koryoin (a.k.a. ethnic Koreans residing in the post-Soviet states) immigrant youth navigate social adaptation and identity formation in a Korean society. A theoretical framework guided by the life course theory allowed holistic and in-depth analyses of pre- and post-immigrant experiences and multiple levels of ecological factors influencing the process of social adaptation identity formation. Our research participant was a female youth who had immigrated to South Korea as a young adolescent. To explore the longitudinal dynamic interactions of individual, family, school, and community factors, we conducted a narrative analysis of a life story collected by semi-structured interviews. Study findings showed that the Koryoin immigrant youth had faced social discrimination in both countries of Russia and Korea, which meant denied national and ethnic identities. However, individual efforts, support from family, peers, and teachers, and participation in the religious community have worked for her personal growth. She finally reported a successful adjustment to Korean society. This study also suggested a hybridity of identities achieved from her various experiences as a Koryoin while overcoming immigration life challenges. The study findings can contribute to helping the group of Koryoin immigrant youth by emphasizing the importance of a strength and resilience-focused approach to encourage positive development among them.

키워드