Choosing the best of both worlds: The acculturation process revisited. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barker, Gina G.
• Is Part Of: International journal of intercultural relations. Volume 45(2015)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Acculturation -- Biculturalism -- Cultural integration -- Intercultural communication -- Intercultural adaptation -- Grounded theory -- Qualitative; Intercultural communication -- Periodicals; Cultural relations -- Periodicals; Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Communication interculturelle -- Périodiques; Relations culturelles -- Périodiques; Études transculturelles -- Périodiques; Cross-cultural studies; Cultural relations; Intercultural communication; Periodicals; 303.482
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2015.01.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0147-1767

Abstract

Abstract: This study examined the acculturation process with particular attention to how individuals navigate, evaluate, negotiate, adopt, and integrate various cultural aspects. A qualitative approach using in-depth interviews with Americans in Sweden and Swedes in the U.S. was employed to gain a nuanced and in-depth understanding of how the process is experienced at different stages and what role cultural, societal, and interpersonal factors play. Results emerging from a grounded theory analysis revealed a selective process involving identification of cultural differences and evaluation of host-culture aspects as complementary, superior, inferior, necessary, or unnecessary compared to home-culture ones. Culture-specific features are treated as additive, integrative, or mutually exclusive. Host-culture interaction and home-culture contact influence the process in important ways. Home-culture core values are rarely abandoned in favor of host-culture ones and the latter are not simply added. Bicultural competence is achievable; however, retention of a firm home-culture identity is a likely acculturation outcome.