Acculturation orientation of immigrant adolescents in Catalonia: Can sociodemographic variables make a difference?

Several studies have shown that identification with the host culture without abandoning the culture of origin impacts favourably in immigrants' school adjustment. In this research, we investigate the influence of specific socio-demographic variables on the acculturation orientation of 226 immigrant adolescents from different origins who have immigrated to Catalonia. The data was collected through questionnaires in six different Secondary Schools. According to the results, the comparison between groups with different acculturation orientation does not show significant differences with respect to the studied socio-demographic variables. However, the psychosocial variables related to school adjustment, assessed by teachers, clearly differentiate students that identify themselves with both cultures. Results are discussed in the socio-educational context of a plural society, which fosters immigrant integration. © 2013 Fundación Infancia y Aprendizaje.