University of Massachusetts Boston
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Navigating Narratives: Immigrant and Refugee Lived Experiences, Counternarratives, and Social Connections in an Era of Securitization of Migration
No full textThe United States has historically thought of itself as a “nation of immigrants,” has been the destination for many immigrant groups, and has resettled a relatively large number of refugees. Yet while international migration has potential benefits for all involved, politicians have increasingly framed migration as a security issue and migrants as threats. The securitization of migration refers to the social construction of migration as a security issue and is concerned with both speech acts that utilize security language (from the Copenhagen School) and praxis, how this is expressed through policies, institutions, and governmentality (from the Paris School). More than “just words,” as a discourse, the securitization of migration is an exercise of power, has lived implications, and can manifest in conflicts between migrants and host societies, impeding a smooth resettlement and integration process. This research therefore seeks to understand the relationship between securitization and social integration, and how immigrants’ and refugees’ intersectional identities are tied up in these processes. This study examines political discourses around migration and refugees in the post-9/11 United States, focusing on both presidential and gubernatorial (Massachusetts) discourse. The project also aims to emphasize the perspectives and voices of immigrant and refugee communities, not taking for granted political discourses, but rather centering the understandings and experiences of those who have been historically marginalized. Beyond analyzing security discourse, the study investigates how immigrants and refugees make sense of, navigate, and respond to these discourses, and how these discourses may impact their lived experiences and social connections. Moreover, engaging in an intersectional analysis, the study considers how identities and social locations are featured in discourse and have implications for lived experiences. Employing methods including content analysis, critical discourse analysis, and interviews, and informed by standpoint feminism and literature from several fields, this project takes a transdisciplinary approach and seeks to make theoretical and practical contributions. The study demonstrates that securitizing discourse is a choice and a strategy that is ever-present in presidential discourse but changes over time, and that these discourses have impacts on immigrants’ and refugees’ emotions, behaviors, and social connections. The research also draws attention to several counternarratives from immigrant and refugee communities which underscores the agency and voices of these communities and demonstrates the importance of considering multiple security narratives. As the securitization of migration becomes increasingly mainstream, research on securitization and social integration is increasingly important for a deeper understanding of mitigating adverse lived experiences from being labeled a “threat” and promoting social integration in host societies
Biophysical Characterization of 3D Pancreatic Tumor Models Using Particle Tracking Microrheology
No full textParticle tracking microrheology (PTMR) methods allow for the non-destructive measurement of viscoelastic properties of soft materials by assessing the mobility of embedded Brownian tracer probes. Using this approach to monitor the mechanical characteristics of in vitro 3D cell culture models can provide a useful perspective into tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment response. Here, I use PTMR methods to measure longitudinal changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) viscoelasticity correlated to 3D model geometry, cancer cell line, therapeutic intervention, and dynamic changes in cell motility. I also describe a derivative method for measuring ECM integrity. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of PTMR methods in quantifying mechanical changes in the tumor microenvironment at pivotal timepoints, suggesting that PTMR could be a useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of novel cancer treatments
Social Networks and Emotional Wellbeing among LGBT Older Adults
No full textNetwork size and composition are structural components and perceived support is a functional component of social networks. How these social network characteristics are related to LGBT older adults’ emotional wellbeing is not well understood. I investigated these relationships using data from the first cross-sectional wave of Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS), a survey of 2,560 LGBT Americans aged 50 years and above, employing a series of mediated and moderated-mediated regression models. Results indicated that larger social networks were associated with more perceived support and perceived support partially mediated the association between network size and emotional wellbeing. Results also showed that stress was associated with poor emotional wellbeing via depletion of perceived support, but less so when LGBT older adults were embedded in larger networks. These findings were in line with the Convoy Model of Social Relationships and The Stress Process Model. Further, the results support Kondrat and colleagues’ (2018) observation that social network size has a moderating role, while social support has a mediating role between stress and emotional wellbeing. Also, the Theory of Homophily postulates that shared identity may enhance group cohesion and feeling supported. Accordingly, I observed that perceived support and its mediation role were stronger when older adults were embedded in LGBT networks and embedded in networks with older members compared to being embedded in non-LGBT and younger member networks. A larger network of non-LGBT older adults had a more direct beneficial association for LGBT older adults’ emotional wellbeing. My observations have practical implications for programs that aim to support LGBT older adults’ emotional wellbeing by strengthening social support through their social networks
Understanding Superdiversity in the Global South Through Linguistic Landscape: The Case of Agdal Neighborhood in Rabat, Morocco
No full textThis dissertation investigated the sociolinguistic superdiversity in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. Superdiversity is a completely different form of diversity that was never seen before the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. For the past two decades, urban centers in the West have been experiencing an unprecedented influx of immigrants; as a result, these centers have become superdiverse and complex. Even though no study of superdiversity was conducted in Morocco before, I argue that this new form of superdiversity is already taking place in several urban cities including Rabat. The study, which follows the new trend of research that uses LL and ethnography as tools to investigate superdiversity in urban areas, took place in Fal Ould Oumeir, which is the busiest avenue in Agdal neighborhood and one of the richest areas of the city. Data collection was conducted during the summer semester of 2021 and the winter semester of 2022. On one hand, this study contributes to the field of LL studies which is relatively new even in Western sociolinguistics. On the other hand, it is the first study of its kind to be conducted in Morocco that will hopefully pave the way to more research in this underrepresented region. The data analysis reveals two major findings. First, it provides evidence that super-diversity is also a reality in urban areas of the Global South. Second, it shows how conviviality excludes Moroccans of limited income and sub-Saharan migrants as underprivileged groups existing in urban Rabat
English Learning Among Late-Life Chinese Immigrants to the U.S.
No full textMotivation serves as the driving force in second language learning. This study explores the motivation, challenges, and coping strategies among late-life Chinese immigrants to the United States as they navigate the English learning at an advanced age. Guided by Gardner\u27s theory of motivation in second language learning, the research examines the interplay between individual motivation and societal factors shaping the English learning journey. Many older Chinese immigrants encounter limited English proficiency, posing barriers to their integration into American society. Understanding their motivation and challenges in learning English is crucial for providing effective support. Focused on older Chinese immigrating to the United States at age 60 or above, this study illuminates their post-migration English learning experiences and provides insights for tailored support. Through qualitative analysis of interview data, several themes emerge, each reflecting the complex landscape of motivation, challenges, and coping strategies. Participants\u27 motivation for English learning is deeply rooted in familial bonds, a desire for independence and self-sufficiency, and lifelong learning aspirations. The motivation underscores the multifaceted nature of the immigrant experience and highlight the significance of familial ties and personal aspirations in driving English learning. However, the path to English proficiency is covered with obstacles. Cognitive difficulties, sensory impairments, transportation constraints, caregiving obligations, and the COVID-19 pandemic disrupt progress. Despite these formidable challenges, resilience and determination emerge as prevailing themes, underscoring participants\u27 unwavering commitment to their language learning goals. Coping strategies employed vary from translation tools and repetition to formal education, self-learning, and community engagement. Accessible learning options and community-based programs emerge as key facilitators in their language learning journey, emphasizing the need for tailored support that caters to the unique needs of older immigrants. In light of these findings, the study proposes a series of recommendations to support older immigrants in their English learning. These include program improvements, policy advocacy, adoption of age-friendly teaching methods, promotion of peer learning support networks, and integration of technology into language education. By addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by older immigrants, tailored support can pave the way for enhanced language learning outcomes, foster greater integration, and promote overall well-being within immigrant communities
2010-2011 Equity Public Schools\u27 School Closing and Mergers: A Phenomenological Case Study on the Purposeful Racialized Dispossession, Power, and Authority in Decision-Making
No full textIn the United States, K12 urban public education reform is guided by neoliberal policies based on privatization. Federal funding for districts to turnaround underperforming schools is connected to, if not requiring, school districts to close and merge schools. This is further complicated by the long-standing racialized opportunity and achievement gaps between Black and Latinx students and their white and Asian peers. There are long standing, documented opportunity gaps, which disproportionately impact Black students. Data highlights the overrepresentation of Black students attending schools that later become closed or merged with others. The growing literature on school closings and mergers note the large urban districts most affected; Chicago, New Orleans, and New York, with an emphasis on student impact and parental engagement. This study expands upon current scholarship on school closures and mergers by examining stakeholder experiences with power and authority in school closing and merger decision-making in an urban, northeast public school district. This phenomenological case study explores the 2010-2011 Equity Public Schools (EPS) school closings and mergers in Equity city (Equity being a pseudonym for the actual district). Three research questions guide this study and seek to understand how school closings and mergers are decided, how stakeholders experience the school closing and merger public community engagement process, and how power, authority, and voice are distributed amongst stakeholders in school closing and merger decision-making. This research is framed and findings were analyzed through the lens of dispossession theories. This qualitative phenomenological study includes a review of press/media reports, relevant EPS documents, and one on one semi-structured interviews with EPS And Equity City based stakeholders to present an analysis of racialized dispossession, power, and authority in school closing and merger public community engagement processes and decision-making. Abstract (Spanish) En Estados Unidos, la reforma de la educación pública urbana K12 está guiada por políticas neoliberales. políticas basadas en la privatización. Financiamiento federal para que los distritos recuperen su bajo desempeño Las escuelas están conectadas con, si no exigen, que los distritos escolares cierren y fusionen escuelas. Esto es Complicado aún más por las antiguas brechas racializadas de oportunidades y logros. entre estudiantes negros y latinos y sus pares blancos y asiáticos. Hay desde hace mucho tiempo, brechas de oportunidades documentadas, que afectan de manera desproporcionada a los estudiantes negros. Datos Destaca la sobrerrepresentación de estudiantes negros que asisten a escuelas que luego se convierten en cerrado o fusionado con otros. La creciente literatura sobre cierres y fusiones de escuelas señala la los grandes distritos urbanos son los más afectados; Chicago, Nueva Orleans y Nueva York, con énfasis sobre el impacto de los estudiantes y la participación de los padres. Este estudio amplía los estudios actuales sobre cierres y fusiones de escuelas por examinar las experiencias de las partes interesadas con el poder y la autoridad en el cierre y la fusión de escuelas toma de decisiones en un distrito escolar público urbano del noreste. Este caso fenomenológico El estudio explora los cierres y fusiones de escuelas de Equity Public Schools (EPS) en 2010-2011 en Ciudad de Equity (siendo Equity un seudónimo del distrito real). Guía de tres preguntas de investigación. este estudio y busca comprender cómo se deciden los cierres y fusiones de escuelas, cómo Las partes interesadas experimentan el cierre y la fusión de la escuela. Participación pública de la comunidad. proceso y cómo se distribuyen el poder, la autoridad y la voz entre las partes interesadas en la escuela. toma de decisiones de cierre y fusión. Se enmarca esta investigación y se analizan los hallazgos a través del lente de las teorías de la desposesión. Este estudio fenomenológico cualitativo incluye una revisión de informes de prensa/medios, documentos relevantes de EPS y sesiones semiestructuradas individuales entrevistas con partes interesadas de EPS y Equity City para presentar un análisis de la situación racializada Despojo, poder y autoridad en el cierre de escuelas y fusión de comunidades públicas. procesos de participación y toma de decisiones
Personal Reflections from a Grassroots Peacebuilding Journey
Get PDFThis article presents the author’s personal reflections from experiences over the past thirty years, working at the intersection of leadership development, complexity, and conflict: a journey from corporate law, the British Army, and armed conflict, through the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the US-led coalition’s intervention in Iraq, emergency humanitarian response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and violence reduction and post-conflict reconciliation in Papua New Guinea, to a Jordan-based international peacebuilding organization that supports grassroots peacebuilding efforts in fifty-two countries, and finally a return home to Scotland. It is a journey of naïveté, hubris, curiosity, and an attempt at sense-making. It describes the application of peacebuilding theories in practice in diverse contexts. Although it does not purport to offer any solutions, it concludes that courageous leadership is needed: to embrace conflict as a source of energy for positive, constructive, generative development; to resist the seductive drama and hero-leadership of focusing only on present crises; and to focus more investment on upstream prevention
The Middle East: From an Inflammable Region to A Resilient Land of Opportunities–A Case Study of EcoPeace Middle East\u27s Approach to Conflict and Environmental Action
Get PDFThe Middle East is an inflammable region on multiple levels. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, with its overwhelming loss of human lives, has further disrupted the already fragile prospect of peace in the region. It is also ‘inflammable’ from an environmental perspective, insofar as it is considered the most climate vulnerable region on Earth, with an expected 4°C increase in average temperature over the next decades. Yet, through the example of EcoPeace Middle East, an environmental and peacebuilding regional organization working in Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, this article sheds light on a theory of change that seeks to transform the Middle East into a climate-resilient and peaceful region
Archetypal Energies and Global Mental Health
Get PDFAs a keynote speaker at the Global Mental Health Conference 2024, held at Sophia University, Costa Mesa, CA, in-person and virtually, August 16-18, 2024, my topic was Archetypal Energies As A Framework for Self-Empowerment and Well Being . The theme of this 2024 global conference was: Enlightened Minds, Compassionate Hearts, and Embodied Wisdom. To supplement my keynote address, I wrote this blog article titled Archetypal Energies and Global Mental Health