A Literary Exploration of First and Second Generation Immigrants in the U.S.: Ethnic Identities and Intergenerational Family Dynamics

The United States is a country shaped by the contributions of immigrant communities and characterized by cultural diversity. Immigrant experiences are one of the cornerstones of a country’s social structure and plays an essential role in intergenerational identity negotiations. This thesis examines the impact of intergenerational relationships on second generation individuals through historical, sociological and psychological perspectives. It evaluates key characteristics of immigration, including assimilation, acculturation, language retention and discrimination, to explore the challenges faced by the children of immigrants. The first chapter of this thesis establishes a framework of U.S. immigration policies, analyzing the characteristics of mass immigration to the United States, in comparison to earlier waves of European immigration between the 1820s and 1930s. Particularly focusing on Japanese and Indian American experiences from different waves of immigration, this thesis seeks to shed light on how identities are shaped within American society. Through diasporic literature, particularly The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, it examines the individual struggles between intergenerational conflict and cultural expectations. By highlighting works from diverse cultural and geographical settings, this thesis explores how navigating between cultural identities influences one’s sense of belonging, relationships with their environment, and psychological well-being.