Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
PhD
College
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Committee Chair
Peter Schaeffer
Committee Co-Chair
Alan Collins
Committee Member
Melissa Sherfinski
Committee Member
Sharon Hayes
Abstract
Abstract Lived Experiences of Mauritanian Immigrant Families in Columbus, Ohio: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study
Adama S. Warr
Immigrants have to deal with challenges of integration into a larger society. These challenges may be greater for immigrants of different race, ethnicity, and or religion, and there may be additional challenges if they are living with younger children. The purpose of this study is to illuminate the lived experiences of the Mauritanian immigrant families in Columbus, Ohio. A qualitative method of descriptive phenomenology is utilized and centered on these immigrant families. Seven dyads (parent with his/her child as one dyad) were interviewed together and separately. All interviews were analyzed. The findings of this research indicate while the two generations generally had positive immigrant experiences, they diverged on the issue of integration. The first-generation seem to still be dealing with the psychic cost of migration. They were selective in their integration approach because of their cultural and religious backgrounds. The second-generation believed their parents’ selective integration approach was limiting. Therefore, both generations experienced conflict of cultures. This research suggests that first-generation Mauritanian immigrant should be proactive in understanding and addressing the cultural and psychological challenges their children face. Additional recommendations include: schools should adopt strategies to reduce bullying, enhance cultural understanding, and provide targeted academic support for immigrant students, and policymakers should implement measures such as mandatory English and American culture classes for the first-generation, recognize foreign qualifications, and support educational and conflict resolution initiatives for this Mauritanian immigrants community, particularly focusing on the needs of Mauritanian immigrant women. The findings of this research are important in filling a gap in the literature related to the integration of communities of non-European immigrant families in the U.S.
Recommended Citation
Warr, Adama, "Lived Experiences of Mauritanian Immigrant Families in Columbus, Ohio: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study" (2024). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 12547.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/12547
Embargo Reason
Publication Pending
Included in
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