The Role of Identity in Acculturation among Immigrant People: Theoretical Propositions, Empirical Questions, and Applied Recommendations

Authors

Seth J. Schwartz
Marilyn J. Montgomery, George Fox UniversityFollow
Ervin Briones

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2006

Abstract

The present paper advances theoretical propositions regarding the relationship between acculturation and identity. The most central thesis argued is that acculturation represents changes in cultural identity and that personal identity has the potential to ‘anchor’ immigrant people during their transition to a new society. The article emphasizes the experiences of nonwhite, non-Western immigrant people moving to Western nations. The article also calls for research on heretofore unexplored aspects of the relationship of acculturation to personal and social identity. Ideas are proposed for interventions to promote cultural identity change and personal identity coherence.

Comments

Originally published in Human Development. 2006. Volume 49. Issue 1. Pages 1-30.

https://doi.org/10.1159/000090300

Recommended Citation

Schwartz, Seth J.; Montgomery, Marilyn J.; and Briones, Ervin, "The Role of Identity in Acculturation among Immigrant People: Theoretical Propositions, Empirical Questions, and Applied Recommendations" (2006). Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling. 61.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/gsc/61