Acculturation

Question 1

Define acculturation?

Answer 1

Acculturation is the process of cultural and psychological change that takes place as a result of contact between two or more cultural groups.

4 different acculturation strategies: assimilation, integration, separation, and marginalization

Assimilation is when an individual abandons their original culture and adopts the cultural behaviours and values of their new culture.
Integration is when there is an interest in adopting the behaviours and values of the new culture, while still maintaining the original culture
Separation is when migrants maintain their own culture and minimize contact with the new culture.
Marginalisation is when it is not really possible to maintain one’s original culture, but because of exclusion or discrimination, it is not possible to assimilate into the new culture

Question 2

What is acculturation stress and gaps?

Answer 2

Acculturative stress (aka culture shock) occurs when there is a personal battle between enculturation and acculturation (maintaining one’s culture identity vs changing one’s culture in order to fit in)

We are social animals who have a need to belong, so not feeling one is part of a group can be very stressful. The result of this tension is known as acculturation stress.

Acculturation gaps - These are generational differences in acculturation and how this leads to conflict within the family. As a result of the school system, children of immigrants will have more contact with the new culture than their parents.

For immigrant children, it can be difficult to live with the expectations of one culture in the home and another at school. So children may not turn to their parents with problems and concerns, believing their parents do not know the culture; instead they will turn to peers or adults in the new culture for advice.

Question 3

Aim of Lueck and Wilson?

Answer 3

Investigate the variables that may predict acculturative stress in a nationally representative sample of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans

Question 4

Method of Lueck & Wilson?

Answer 4

• Sample consisted of several different Asian cultures, including Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese
• Researchers carried out semi-structured interviews
• The interviews measured the participants’ level of acculturative stress, impact of language proficiency, language preference, discrimination, social networks, family cohesion, and socioeconomic status on acculturative stress.

Question 5

Findings of Lueck & Wilson?

Answer 5

70% of the sample were found to have acculturative stress according to their acculturative stress score

• A bilingual language preference contributed to lower acculturative stress.
• Stress may arise with lanugage barrier
  
  • Preference for speaking English only is a predictor of high acculturative stress.
  • Negative treatment – including prejudice, xenophobia, harassment, and threats - significantly contributed to higher acculturative stress.
  • Sharing similar values and beliefs as a family significantly contributed to lowering acculturative stress
    Acculturative stress was significantly lower among those who were very satisfied with their economic opportunities

Question 6

Conclusion of Lueck and Wilson?

Answer 6

Acculturation stress is very common amongst immigrants. Language proficiency, family cohesion, economic opportunities, and prejudice are all factors that affect acculturation stress