Where do I belong? The role of perceived discrimination, and ethnic identity for mental health: A comparative study of Japanese Brazilians in Japan and Brazil

• Autor(a) principal: Kurade, Mayra Cristina
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Tipo de documento: Dissertação
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: http://hdl.handle.net/10071/29753
• topic: Perceived discrimination; Microagressão Microaggression; Ethnic identity; Japan; Brazil; Japanese Brazilians; Saúde mental -- Mental health; Bem-estar -- Well-being; Discriminação percebida; Identidade étnica -- Cultural identity; Japão; Brasil; Nipo-brasileiros

Ethnic identity and perceived discrimination are important constructs in the context of migration and remigration. Ethnic identity is described as a fundamental aspect of self, influencing one's sense of belonging and cultural connections. Perceived discrimination is a subjective perception wherein individuals or groups believe they are subjected to unequal treatment, primarily characterized by unfairness, on account of their social identity or group membership. The present qualitative study aims to examine the perceived discrimination and ethnic identity processes of Japanese Brazilians. It investigates how these factors may affect mental health, explores the common protective mechanisms they employ to cope with discrimination in both Japan and Brazil, and analyses the instances of discrimination, both blatant and subtle, that they perceive in both countries. We conducted semi-structured interviews with nine Japanese Brazilians from the second, third, and fourth generations, focusing on the existing literature on discrimination and ethnic identity. Thematic analyses were used to recognize different forms of perceived discrimination (blatant vs. subtle) and themes related to ethnic identity processes, mental health, coping strategies, and protective factors employed by the participants. Our results provide insights into the complexity surrounding identity processes within this bicultural population. We find that subtle discrimination was more common in both countries. Regarding ethic identity while some participants strongly identified as Brazilians and felt a profound connection to Brazil, others embraced a dual identity, aligning themselves with both Brazilian and Japanese cultures. Three key findings were notable: Participants reported that some instances of perceived discrimination did not impact their ethnic identity or psychological acculturation. Intergenerational dynamics played a role in shaping ethnic identity. The importance of "Intercultural friendship" emerged as participants formed close bonds with members of the majority population in both countries to cope with discrimination, highlighting the significance of local social support.