Adjusting to Social Change: A Multi-level Analysis in Three Cultures
Abstract
Psychologists have long been interested in examining response to stressful life transitions, but little attention has been paid to the longer-term implications of major life transitions, or group and cultural differences in coping with such change. One major challenge faced by many societies is the impact of large-scale internal population movement. In the project reported here, we have brought together experts in social change, relationships and culture, and multi-level modeling to examine responses to large, potentially destabilizing migrations in China, Georgia and the US. The research has involved the analysis of two sets of archival data a) a multi-level questionnaire study conducted in all 3 countries addressing migrant experiences of internal migration (N=450) and b) 36 qualitative interviews conducted with local stakeholders and community leaders into the local impact of this migration. Multi-level analyses consider individual, group and cultural variations in migrant experience; thematic analyses local responses to this population movement. Findings address significant unresolved scientific issues concerning responses to major societal challenges across societal sub-groups and cultures. They have applied value to military forces whose presence is often associated with the large-scale movement of civilian populations, and who need to better understand the resettlement and integration of migrant groups into local communities. A follow-on effort has been awarded as Grant 12-2117, Contract Number FA8655-12-1-2117, and is funded through May 2013.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA566437
Entities
People
- Robin B. Goodwin
Organizations
- Brunel University London