Urban Migrant Social Networks and Identity Formation among Second-Generation Immigrants in Global Cities

Project Abstract

This study investigates how urban migrant social networks influence identity formation among second-generation immigrants in global cities, with a focus on the mechanisms, trajectories, and outcomes of belonging, belongingness, and transnational ties in shaping self-concept, civic engagement, and cultural repertoire. Drawing on a mixed-methods design, the research combines social network analysis, in-depth interviews, and narrative storytelling with a diverse sample of young adults aged 18–30 who were born to immigrant parents in major metropolitan centers across Europe, North America, and Asia. Theoretically, the study engages with transnationalism, segmented assimilation, social capital, and intersectionality to unpack how networks operate at the micro, meso, and macro levels to either facilitate cohesive identity integration or reproduce pluralized, hybrid, or fragmented identifications within urban spaces. The abstract conceptualizes social networks as dynamic infrastructures that channel information, resources, and cultural scripts, thereby mediating experiences of acculturation, discrimination, and inclusion. It examines how network composition—family, peers, co-ethnic associations, religious institutions, schools, and workplace groups—interacts with individual attributes such as language proficiency, generational status, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic position to shape identity outcomes. The study maps patterns of network centrality, density, multiplexity, and bridging roles to determine how access to diverse ties correlates with shifts in ethnic identity salience, national belonging, and cosmopolitan self-perception. It also scrutinizes the role of digital platforms and translocal connections in maintaining heritage while crafting urban identities that navigate multiple cultural milieus. Methodologically, the research employs a convergent parallel design quantitative social network analysis to quantify structural properties and relational patterns, and qualitative interviews and life-history narratives to illuminate subjective experiences and meaning-making processes. The integration of data aims to reveal how second-generation migrants negotiate language practices, cultural memory, and everyday rituals within schooling, employment, and public spaces, and how these negotiations contribute to differentiated identity trajectories across cities. Ethical considerations include protecting confidentiality in sensitive discussions about belonging, fear of exclusion, and discrimination, as well as ensuring representation across gender, class, and minority subgroups. Preliminary findings indicate that tightly-knit co-ethnic networks can offer a secure cultural buffer that reinforces heritage identity, while broader, cross-cutting ties spanning multiple communities tend to promote a more flexible, hybrid identity oriented toward urban cosmopolitanism. The study also reveals that perceived social legitimacy and access to prized resources (education, employment, housing) influence the salience and stability of identity claims, with implications for social cohesion, policy design, and urban planning. Ultimately, the research contributes to a nuanced understanding of how second-generation migrants craft multi-layered identities through the interplay of personal agency, collective memory, and the urban social fabric in global cities.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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This project looks at how migrant youths in major cities form social ties across generations and how these networks influence their sense of belonging, culture, and everyday life. It examines how second-generation immigrants navigate identity shifts, maintain ties with their parents’ homeland, and interact with peers in diverse urban settings.

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The Problem It Addresses

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Many studies treat migrants as a single group, overlooking how children born to immigrant families balance multiple identities. This project investigates gaps in understanding how online and offline networks shape identity, belonging, and social inclusion or exclusion in global cities.

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Describe the structure of social networks among second-generation migrants in urban settings.
2. Explore how networks influence language use, cultural practices, and personal identity.
3. Assess differences across cities, genders, and ethnic backgrounds.
4. Identify barriers to social integration and access to resources.
5. Provide practical recommendations for inclusive urban policies and community programs.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1. Review existing literature on migrant networks and identity formation.
2. Design a small-scale study and obtain ethical approval.
3. Collect data through interviews, social network mapping, and surveys.
4. Analyze connections between networks and identity using simple thematic coding.
5. Compare findings across different city contexts.
6. Interpret results and discuss implications for policy and practice.
7. Draft chapters and refine through feedback.
8. Prepare the final report and presentation.

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Expected Outcome

Anticipated outcomes include a clear description of how social networks shape identity among second-generation migrants, practical implications for community programs, and ideas for urban strategies that support integration while preserving cultural ties.