Race & Racialization: Examining the Experiences of Nigerian Immigrants in New York

Description of Research Project: 

This paper explores the ethno-racial identity formation and experiences of African immigrants, focusing on Nigerian immigrant parents in the United States. The study aims to understand how these parents perceive and navigate race relations, their approaches to educating their children about race, and their responses to racial discrimination and marginalization. Additionally, the research investigates the factors influencing their acceptance or rejection of American cultural norms. The project involves conducting in-depth interviews with 30 Nigerian immigrant parents who have been residing in New York for over a decade. By analyzing their narratives, the study seeks to uncover the impact of culture, racialization, and social norms on their experiences in the United States. The research contributes to the fields of race and ethnicity, cultural sociology, and critical theory by examining how Nigerians negotiate and navigate race, racism, and the subsequent effects on their ethno-racial identities and understandings of race. It also addresses the existing gap in understanding the racial identity formation of African immigrants and challenges the notion of a monolithic African Diaspora in America. The findings provide valuable insights into the racial identities and experiences of African immigrants in the United States, shedding light on their unique perspectives and journeys. 

Description of work that will be assigned to research assistants:  

I need one or two research assistants to transcribe interviews, conduct literature reviews, and some coding on NVIVO. There may also be an opportunity to do some data analysis.  

Supervising Faculty Member: Alford Young Jr. 

Graduate Student: Fadilat Olasupo

Contact information: folasupo@umich.edu

Average hours of work per week: 10-12 hours per week 

Range of credit hours students can earn:  4-credits  

Number of positions available: 1-2