Me and school: The elementary and secondary school experiences of first-generation Canadian males of Italian heritage

This study explores the phenomena of ethnic identities and ethnic relationships among individuals [teachers and students in controlled environments, elementary and secondary schools], who perceive themselves to be the ‘same’ or ‘different’ because of their ethnic roots; and how such perceptions of ‘sameness’ or ‘difference’ shape ethnic self-identities and perceptions of others.

The research material in this study is limited to qualitative data. Four male candidates were initially selected. Three participated in the study. Each participant completed a one-to-one interview session using a standardized, open-ended questionnaire. The data is a current day retrospective based on each participant's memories and stories of their elementary and secondary school experiences.

The findings clearly indicate that the participants' school environments and experiences shaped and influenced their construction of identities and determined their perceptions of ‘self’ and ‘others.’ (Abstract shortened by UMI.)