Testing Segmented Assimilation Theory: Evidence from the Add Health Study

Yu Xie, University of Michigan
Emily Greenman, University of Michigan

Segmented assimilation theory is based on the recognition that American society is now extremely diverse and segmented, with an underclass residing in central cities where a large portion of new immigrant families first settles upon arrival. Thus, it is argued that there exist divergent assimilation paths for new immigrants. These paths include conventional upward, or “straight-line,” assimilation, downward assimilation, and “selective acculturation.” Proponents of segmented assimilation theory argue that for immigrant youth in low-SES communities, retaining the culture of origin has a protective effect. In this paper, we develop empirical tests of segmented assimilation theory as it relates to the well-being of immigrant and second-generation adolescents. We begin with an observation that segmented assimilation theory in essence is a theory about interactions between micro-level assimilation processes and macro-level community contexts. We therefore test whether the effects of varying degrees of assimilation differ across more and less privileged community contexts.