Multiple acculturation experiences : view on globalisation-based acculturation

Abstract

With increase in global trade, globalisation has enabled greater opportunities for individuals to live in multiple countries and experience different cultures thus changing the migration patterns. Keeping this as a construct, existing acculturation framework and process were investigated to understand the impact globalisation has had on identity, culture and the process of acculturation undertaken by individuals who have lived in multiple countries. Using an exploratory medium, nineteen individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, who have lived in multiple countries, were interviewed to conduct a qualitative study to identify the impact globalisation has had on the process of acculturation, identity and culture. It explored the existing frameworks to understand their relevance in a globalised world where multiple acculturations are increasingly being undertaken. The findings highlighted the need to revisit existing acculturation frameworks and strategies and to reconsider the relevance of a number of existing concepts within a globalised world. The results highlighted the need to recognise a change in cultural frame of reference based on individual choice and emphasised the need to move away from unidirectional models of acculturation to a model which incorporates the multi-directional nature of current migrations. Based on these findings, a Multiple Acculturation framework has been proposed which not only includes a multidimensional perspective and recognises the amalgamation of multiple cultures but also reconceptualises the acculturation strategies and processes from a static frame to a more dynamic perspective.