다문화가족 중도입국자녀의 사회연결망에 관한 사례연구

A Case Study on the Social Networks for Immigrant Children of Multicultural Families: Focused on the Consultation Supporting Systems for Youth

The purposes of this study were to identify various types of public and private social networks for immigrant children, and identify the implications for the adaptation of and support system for multicultural families and immigrant children. This study was performed using the case study research method and 12 counseling transcripts were analyzed. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, field study records and document analysis. The findings of the research results are as follows: First, regarding social networks in families, immigrant children may experience psychological difficulties in forming a new family in Korea. It was found that they are aware of their role and status within their family and try to expand their social networks. Second, the type, density and range of the social networks of immigrant children are almost identical to the social networks of their parents. This means that immigrant children also have a limited private social network. This finding suggests that a support system should be provided for immigrant children so that they may broaden the size and intensity of their social networks.