Ever wondered why some people adapt better to new countries and cultures?
Have you ever wondered why, when people move to a new country, some of them seem to fit right in, while others find it a bit more challenging?
Well, it's like solving a puzzle, with pieces of different colors and shapes - each person has their own unique piece, which represents their culture and background. Some people have it easier than others, though, when it comes to adjusting to new cultures. To understand why, let’s first go over the four categories of forming identity and adapting to new a culture.
Types of Processes for Adapting to a Multi-Cultural Identity
Integration is when someone integrates their identities together - they have puzzle pieces from multiple cultures, and they are all pieced together to create one beautiful picture. This means their picture is unique, too!
Assimilation is when someone takes the puzzle pieces of a new culture, and creates a new identity from these pieces. They embrace the new language, customs, and values. The picture their puzzle pieces build is almost indistinguishable from the people born in that country.
Separation is when a person holds onto their original puzzle pieces, but don’t take any new pieces from their new culture either. They hold onto their own traditions and might only spend time with people from their own background and not interact much with people outside their culture. The picture their puzzle pieces make will look a lot like the pictures of those from their original culture.
Marginalization is when someone not only doesn’t accept their new cultural identity, they also reject their previous one. In this way, their puzzle pieces aren’t put together at all into any kind of picture. Someone in this position might feel lost or like they can’t find their place in the world.
But, what causes someone to end up in one category, rather than another?
Now, here is the interesting part - it's not necessarily a conscious choice individuals make. It often hinges on the interplay of numerous factors. It could be likened to dealing with a puzzle where some pieces may have become warped, or the surface you're assembling it on might be uneven, or you’re doing pretty well but there’s a piece missing from the box, or even that this puzzle has just gotten so complex that its’s impossible to solve on your own! But what does this look like, practically speaking?
Here are just some of the reasons someone might struggle (or thrive!) when adopting a multicultural identity
Bigger cultural difference between your original and new culture will make it more challenging to adjust
Having an open personality will make it more likely for new experiences to be thrilling, rather than overwhelming
Being younger often means also having it easier when it comes to adapting to new contexts
Lack of motivation means that you will be less likely to try and overcome the obstacles of moving abroad
High cultural sensitivity will make it easier to embrace new customs and traditions
Positive previous experience set you up to be optimistic towards your next acculturation journey.
Lack of social support: such as friends or family or community make adopting a new multicultural identity more difficult
How can I help my third-culture kid more effectively adopt a multi-cultural identity?
At the end of the day, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It's about finding the path that suits you and your family while respecting and appreciating different cultures. Just like a puzzle with different pieces can create a beautiful picture, different cultures can enrich a society when they come together! So, the next time you meet someone from a different country or culture, remember that they might be on a unique path of acculturation, and that's perfectly okay. It's all part of the colorful mosaic that makes our world so interesting!
If you or your child is having a hard time with a recent relocation and struggling to adapt to a new culture, you’re not alone. Check out our services page or send us an inquiry message to learn more about how we can help!