Downward Assimilation Theory

Segmented assimilation theory can be comprised of two parts. First, there is the pattern of immigrants and their children assimilating into the white middle-class. The second pattern involves assimilation yet one that progresses in a downward route to lower- classes (Portes and Zhou 1993: 82). There are factors that determine the vulnerability of a group’s downward assimilation. These are their skin color, location, and the absence of mobility ladders (Portes and Zhou 1993: 83). It is shown that European immigrants hold advantages over immigrants of color thanks to their overwhelming whiteness managing to reduce barriers (Portes and Zhou 1993: 75). Immigrant households typically hold lower socioeconomic statuses as well (Portes and Zhou 1993: 80). Therefore, immigrants who are from places like Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America, and their children, …show more content…
First, there is a conflict between first-generation Haitians and their second-generation offspring. Parents prefer to maintain a strong national identity and solidarity with community members. Second-generation children find themselves rejecting their parent’s ideology due to their native-born peers (Portes and Zhou 1993: 81). These Haitian children are exposed to the inner-city youths who have strong reactance towards their discrimination by the white majority. This involves the devaluation of education (Portes and Zhou 1993: 81). For the Haitian child to ignore their belief, this entails the continuation of ostracism and bullying. Chicanos face the same dilemma. These children are familiar with cholos, those who defend themselves from white discrimination by rejecting education because that means they’re acting white (Portes and Zhou 1993: 89). Jamaican immigrants fall prey to downward assimilation in the expected way according to segmented assimilation theory. Their skin color and lack of community makes them vulnerable (Portes and Zhou 1993: