My research in sociology and demography spans across two areas of study: migration and well-being, and intergenerational transmissions.  I am specifically interested in how inequality is exacerbated or mitigated through social processes.  To learn more about my other projects, please click here.

My dissertation explores complexities of immigrant assimilation theory.  First, I empirically test the widespread belief that the cultural and social fabric of the US mainstream has been altered by the presence of immigrants and their children.  I also look for variation of mainstream cultural change at the county-level.  Although scholars have argued that minority culture fuses with the host society, there has yet to be a study had attempts to measure this important phenomenon.

The second and third chapters focus on the role of gender in segmented assimilation and how divergent pathways to incorporation lead to inequality in educational aspirations.

Below are some preliminary figures that detail county-level migration patterns that will be highlighted in my first chapter. Images documenting cultural change will be posted soon.

Created by Christina Diaz. Data: 2000 Decennial Census; 2007-11 American Community Survey

Created by Christina Diaz. Data: 2000 Decennial Census; 2007-11 American Community Survey