Perceptions of Ethnic Identity Among Pacific Islander College Students (67067)
Session Chair: Spencer Scanlan
Saturday, January 7, 2023 (10:15)
Session: Session 1
Room: 317A
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
This study looks at students’ perceptions of ethnic identity among Pacific Islander college students at one college in Hawaii with high levels of Pacific Islander students. Ninety-seven Pacific Island college students participated in 17 on-campus focus groups facilitated by a member of the research team over 7 weeks during the summer of 2022. Consent forms were collected and all data collections were approved by the IRB. Focus groups lasted approximately 90 minutes and included questions related to student perceptions of ethnic identity, school belonging. All focus group interviews were audio and video recorded over ZOOM, then transcribed and de-identified for analysis.
Transcriptions of focus group interviews were analyzed iteratively with an inductive coding strategy looking for emergent themes and patterns (Cresswell, 2009; Miles et al., 2014). Analyses revealed multiple themes about how students’ perceived expressions of ethnic identity among their students. Students shared participation in ethnic clubs, references to family heritage, participating in cultural activities (culture night) and speaking their native language as expressions of ethnic identity. Pacific Island students often feel misplaced if social norms and school campus expectations are at odds with their cultural identity. Findings from this study may foster conversations among school leaders to revisit expectations and school policies that might promote students’ expressions of their ethnic identity. Additionally, school leaders may consider creating more opportunities where such expressions are welcomed and valued among peers and school staff members. Other emergent themes will be presented representing the perspective of Pacific Islander students.
Authors:
Erika Feinauer, Brigham Young University, United States
Spencer Scanlan, Brigham Young University, United States
Grace Tora, Brigham Young University, United States
Kehau Malzl, Brigham Young University, United States
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Erika Feinauer is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Brigham Young University, United States
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