Acculturation & Attitudes towards Disability for Arab Americans

Abstract

s According to 2010 Census estimates, there are 1.9 million Arab Americans in the United States, although the estimate may be closer to 3.7 million. Arab Americans are one of the fastest growing immigrant groups; over half are foreign-born and come from over 22 different countries. Acculturation is an important construct to consider for Arab Americans, who have a long history of immigration and cultural differences. A systematic literature review was conducted to understand acculturation and attitudes toward persons with disabilities for immigrants and refugees, as they relate to Arab Americans. Using multiple databases (PsycInfo, Ebscohost, Social Science Abstracts, and Google Scholar), we identified 300 articles using the search terms disabilities, acculturation, attitudes and Arab American. Of this number, 90 scholarly articles were chosen that highlighted acculturation and attitudes toward persons with disabilities among minority, immigrant, and refugee groups. The systematic review identified themes regarding acculturation, ethnic identity, social contact with the host culture, and the stigma of disabilities. Findings revealed that ethnic identity, social contact with the U.S. host culture, and the stigma of disability from the country of origin can influence attitudes of Arab Americans towards persons with disabilities. The systematic review highlighted substantial gaps in the knowledge base and the importance of understanding attitudes of immigrants and refugees towards persons with disabilities within the Arab American community. Further research is needed to examine how the acculturation process can affect attitudes towards disabilities, and where policy and practice can intervene to improve outcomes. Social work practitioners must be culturally sensitive to the distinct aspects of Arab culture and their acculturation process, thereby enhancing their skills in the delivery of services. Results highlight the need for awareness in the struggles of immigrants and refugees, and how they can impact attitudes toward persons with disabilities in Arab American communities.