Developmental Shifts in Latinx Immigrant-Origin Adolescents' Activity Spaces, Sense of Belonging, and Ethnic-Racial Identity.

Abstract

Latinx immigrant-origin (IO) youth in the U.S. are developing their ethnic-racial identity (ERI) and sense of belonging while also contending with the sociopolitical climate shaped by racism and xenophobia, which have been shown to influence their neighborhood context. This qualitative study examined semi-structured interviews with 29 Latinx immigrant-origin (IO) youth (M_age = 18.65) to understand how neighborhood context relates to their sense of belonging and ERI development as they navigate the suburban Midwest. Results highlight developmental changes and the various activity spaces they engage with, examining how the ethnic-racial composition of these spaces, both inside and outside their neighborhood, relates to their sense of belonging and ERI. The findings provide insight into demographic changes in the suburban Midwest, how Latinx youth navigate and challenge whiteness, and the inclusive activity spaces they use, offering a lens for promoting inclusive practices in suburban schools and communities.