CHAPTER 8 GROUP PROJECT ON INTERCULTURAL TRANSITIONS

CHAPTER – 8 GROUP PROJECT ON INTERCULTURAL TRANSITIONS Group Members : Cara Butler, Ronnamari Greenfield, Robert Leyva, David Morales, Ramon Plascencia

Migrant Groups A Migrant is a person who leaves his/her primary cultural contexts in which he/she was raised and moves to a new cultural context for an extended period of time. The transition from cultures may be easy or difficult— more difficult if the traveler is at a disadvantage, easier if the traveler has an advantage. An example of an advantaged traveler would be a business person who is paid to live abroad while working. Given money to travel with and receive additional pay Easier for them to meet people through their work An example of a disadvantaged migrant would be a refugee who had to relocate out of necessity. May have limited financial resources More difficult and fewer opportunities to meet new people

Voluntary Migrants There are two types of voluntary travelers: Sojourners – travelers who move into new cultural contexts for a limited time and for a specific purpose. International students who study abroad Missionaries Corporate personnel Applied it to society: Idol Gives Back In this Youtube video, celebrities are featured who have traveled to Etheopia to raise awareness of the social problems that exist there. This video gives important information about what is going on in the world, and gives us an outside perspective. Photo: http: //www. newsdesk. umd. edu/images/Olmert/England 09/Group. Hi. Res. jpg

Voluntary Migrants The second type of voluntary migrant is an immigrant – Someone who voluntarily leaves one country to settle in another. Reasons immigrants come to the US: To join other family members Employment Escape war, famine, or poverty Currently there are five major countries that officially accept international migrants as permanent residents: The US, Canada, Australia, Israel, and New Zealand

Voluntary Migrants Migrant Labor: More often now, we see that many migrant workers are women. Cheap manual labor Highly skilled intellectual labor Increasingly women are doing manual labor. This recent pattern of female migration is being labeled as a “world-wide gender revolution”. Immigration affects us directly in California. This link gives information about immigration in our state. This is important information to know because it gives us insight on how this affects our communities. http: //www. ppic. org/content/pubs/jtf/JTF_Immigrants JTF. pdf

Involuntary Migrants Two types of involuntary migrants: Short-term and long term refugees. Most refugees come from developing countries that flee to nearby countries to avoid civil war of famine. This youtube video gives an example of a group of refugees from Somalia, Africa (2008) who fled to Kenya to escape war in Somalia. From this video it gives us an idea of what some people from outside countries go through with a forced migration from their homes. http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=w 2 j 2 S 78 p. Tck& feature=player_detailpage

Involuntary Migrants In 2006 there were approximately 9. 9 million refugees, which was the highest in 4 years. Also in 2006 the highest number of refugees came from Afghanistan and Iraq, and fled to neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran. Similarly, many other countries that deal with internal conflict have experienced the fleeing of refugees (i. e. Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia). Whether the refugee migrated internationally or domestically, the majority of them wish to return home as soon as possible. Photo: http: //www. delaus. ec. europa. eu/images/refugees. jpg

Migrant-Host Relationships

Migrant-Host Relationships The relationships between immigrants and their hosts are very complex, and understanding these relationships requires dialectical approach. The two major reasons for migration involve economic and/or noneconomic reasons and complex push-pull (dialectical)factors. The host may cause the immigrants to feel simultaneously accepted and rejected, privileged and disadvantaged, and relationships may be both active and motionless. There are five types of relationships that structures relationship of migrants and host and their attitude toward each other’s cultures, assimilation, separation, integration, marginalization, and culture hybridity.

Migrant-Host Relationships Migrants Value Host/ Majority Culture Migrants Devalue Own/Minority Culture Migrants Devalue Host/Majority Culture Assimilation Marginalization Hybridity Migrants Value Own/Minority Culture Integration Separation

Assimilation v Assimilation is a type of cultural adaptation in which an individual gives up his or her own cultural heritage and adopts the mainstream culture identity. v Melting pot archetypal. v Central focus is not on retaining one’s cultural heritage. v v Assimilation can be caused by ethnic and/or racial discrimination, society’s pressure, maintaining relationships with other groups in the new culture. “…assimilation and melting-pot ideologies: we permit members of other cultures to immigrate, but require they adopt some (melting pot) or all (strict assimilation) features of our cultural template, in any event the central ones of individual autonomy and freedom” (Bennett, 2011).

Separation There are two forms of separation. The first form is separation which is a type of cultural adaptation in which an individual retains his or her original culture while interacting minimally with other groups. Many strict religious groups actively resist the influence of dominant society, such as Amish, Muslim, Buddhism, and Mormon. In this picture these Indian women are learning English but keeping their own culture identity.

Segregation v v v The second form of separation. Segregation is the policy or practice of compelling groups to live apart from each other. This picture represents the segregation on a bus when white people sat in the front and African Americans sat in the back. This was a forced segregation.

Integration occurs when migrants have an interest both in maintaining their original culture and language and in having daily interactions with other groups. In this picture two people with two different cultures joined together to create a family that will be able to maintain the culture and language of both parents.

Marginalization occurs when individuals or groups express little interest in maintaining cultural ties with either the dominant culture or the migrant culture. “As Asian Americans are living within two cultures, they may find themselves ‘on the margins of each but a member of neither’”(Kim, 2006).

Cultural Hybridity Cultural hybridity occurs when migrants often combine all four types of relating to the host society. Cultural hybridity often occurs in employment (assimilation), bilingualism (integration), different culture marriages (seperation). Not a melting pot society, instead each groups blends together their own culture and other cultures.

Three approaches to cultural adaptation Social Science • Role of individual migrant characteristics and background; theories of culture shock and reentry shock; outcomes of adaptations Interpretive • In-depth analysis of adaptation experience Critical • Importance of history, politics, and societal structures in migrant adaptation and identity Focus of slides Cultural adaptation is the long-term process of adjusting to and finally feeling comfortable in a new environment; A process by which individuals learn the rules and customs of new cultural contexts 17

Social science approach includes three models 1 Anxiety and Uncertainty Management Model 2 3 Transition Model Integrative Model Individual Influences on Adaptation • Characteristics influencing how well migrants adapt - 18 Age Gender Preparation level Expectations • Research shows that overly positive and overly negative expectations lead to more difficulty in adaptation; apparently, positive but realistic or slightly negative expectations prior to the sojourn are the best (Martin, Bradford, & Rohrlich, 1995)

Anxiety and. Uncertainty management 1 Model Anxiety and Uncertainty Model assumes we gather information to help us reduce uncertainty and anxiety The goal of effective intercultural communication can be reached by reducing anxiety and seeking information, a process known as uncertainty reduction Types of uncertainty • Predictive uncertainty Inability to predict what someone will say or do • Explanatory uncertainty Inability to explain why people behave as they do Characteristics of the most effective communicators • Have a solid self-confidence and self-esteem • Have flexible attitudes (tolerance for ambiguity, empathy) and behaviors • Are complex and flexible in their categorization of others (ability to identify similarities and differences and avoid stereotypes) 19

The Transition Model 2 Transition Model: All transition experiences involve change, including some loss and some gain for individuals Three approaches to cultural adaptation Flight • Tendencies - Lay Back - Observe - Socialize with their familiar culture in the new environment - Hesitate to speak a new language 20 Fight • Tendencies - Jump right in and participate - Trial and error - Try to speak the new language Hybrid - Flex • Combination of positive “fight” and “flight” behaviors - “Go with the flow”

The Integrative Model 3 The Integrative Model: Adaptation is the process of stress, adjustment, and growth. As individuals experience the stress of not fitting in with the environment, the natural response is to seek to adjust Characteristics of the Integrative Model • Psychic breakdown of previously held attitudes and behaviors • Emphasis on the interconnectedness of individual and context in the adaptation process • Adaptation occurs through communication 21 • Increased communication is a double sword - Adapt better - But experience more culture • Social support – can play an important role in helping the newcomer reduce stress, clarify uncertainty, and increase a sense of identity

Outcomes of adaptation • Most common definition of adaptation Psychological health • Concentrates on the emotional state of the individual migrant • Psychological adjustment can be made easier/more difficult by the host culture • Occurs more quickly than functional fitness or intercultural identity • Second outcome after psychological health • Ability to function in daily life in many different contexts Functional Fitness • Learning new ways of living and behaving • Newcomers become functionally fit quicker if host members are willing to communicate and interact with them • Complex concept Intercultural Identify 22 • Person is neither a part of nor apart from the host culture • Person acts according to situation • Run the risk of not knowing what to believe or how to develop ethics or values

Interpretive Approach v. Focus on in-depth description of the adaptation process, often employing a phenomenological approach v. The focus is on lived experiences by observing or interviewing participants v. To understand this approach qualitative research methods are used (focus groups and interviews with participants.

U-Curve Model A. B. C. D. U-Curve Theory The condition under which the migrant moves will impact their experience (voluntary or political) How motivated is the migrant Does the migrant have a choice to go back to their home country Are there oral, food and culture comforts in host environment

I. Anticipation – • Will vary with each individual (exited or apprehensive) • The outcome will depend on the preparedness and the reason the individual is relocating to the new environment • The reason for relocating will impact the level of anticipation II. Culture Shock • This is a relative short process • Can be minimized if migrant learns the language, makes new acquaintances and can experience the culture as much as possible • Lack of exposure to the host culture will prolong this stage • The host culture can impact the level of culture shock – some cultures are not welcomed or fit in the host culture • Culture shock can be avoided by not interacting with the host culture III. Adjustment • Migrant leans the language, the culture and makes new friends • Migrant goes through a phase of change in their culture in exchange for assimilation to the new culture

Strategies for facilitating growth Ø Suspend judgment – give it some time Ø Not all values are created equal Ø Engage the culture – experience Ø Keep a sense of humor Ø Be patient Ø Identity change - assimilation to new culture

Hmong assimilation in U. S. A

W-Curve Model Re-entry to the native culture is difficult It is unexpected ii. It should be easy to go home iii. Reverse culture shock iv. Reentry shock v. Repatriation i. Ø The fundamental difference between the two models is: A. B. When the person arrives in the new environment they are unchanged The person who left the is not the same person that comes back to their native culture

Identity and Adaption Ø Ø Ø Three issues determine how migrants develop Multicultural Identities. 1) Migrants want to maintain their own identity versus how much they want to become part of the larger society 2. ) How Migrants develop Multicultural Identities. 3. ) The ownership of political power

Developing Cultural Identities Ø Ø Easier to retain ethnic identity They can live in an ethnic community Easier to stay in contact with country of origin due to advances in communication

Developing Cultural Identities Cont’ Harder to retain cultural identity Ø Harder due to school, Ø Interacting with peers of different races Ø Interacting with other people at the work place Ø Assimilating into dominate culture Ø Click Link below: Ø http: //www. fosterclu b. com/realstory/maintainingyour-cultural-identity

How Migrants develop Multicultural Identities School Work Place Community Sports Socializing Religion

The ownership of political power Americanization of names Dictates how nondominate groups may act Politics – What party you will belong to. Click on link view video http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=6 NTJe b 1 -a. PQ&NR=1

The ownership of political power Cont’. Below link shows a Rebuttal from Senator Rubio who is a republican and of Hispanic descent http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=NHGa FQlsmh. Q&NR=1

Lets Take a Ten Question Test 1. ) T/F – It is okay for the dominate group to force the nondominate group into the political party of their choosing. 2. ) What three issues develop multicultural identities A. Developing Cultural Identities B. How Migrants develop Multicultural Identities C. The ownership of political power D. All the above 3. ) A person that travels internationally for a specific purpose and limited amount of time would be part of what migrant group? A. voluntary immigrant B. Involuntary immigrant C. Voluntary Sojourners D. Involuntary Sojourners 4. ) (T/F) The primary reason for immigrants to come to the United States is in search of Freedom.

5. ) (T/F) Assimilation occurs when the individual does not want to maintain an isolated cultural identity but wants to maintain relationships with other groups in the new culture. 6. ) Marginalization occurs when A. Migrants have an interest both in maintaining their original culture and having daily interaction with other groups. B. An individual expresses little interest in maintaing cultural ties with either the dominant culture or the migrant culture. C. Migrants and their families combine all four types of relating to the host society. D. Migrants choose to retain their original culture and avoid interaction with other groups.

7. ) What are three approaches to cultural adaptation? A. social science, adaptation, identity B. social science, interpretive, integrative or C. social science, interpretive and critical 8. ) (T/F) Age, gender, preparation level, and expectations are all Characteristics influencing how well migrants adapt?

Quiz Questions • 9) What are three approaches to cultural adaptation? A. social science, adaptation, identity B. social science, interpretive, integrative or C. social science, interpretive and critical • 10) True or False: Age, gender, preparation level, and expectations are all Characteristics influencing how well migrants adapt? 40

Answers: 1. )False 2. ) D 3. ) C 4. ) F 5. ) T 6. ) B 7. ) C 8. ) T 9. ) C 10. )True

References Bennett, J. (2011). Assimilation & The Persistence of Culture. The New Criterion, 29(5), 29. Huntington, S. P. (2004). The Hispanic Challenge. Foreign Policy, (141), 30 -45. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Immigrants in California. (2008, June). Retrieved from http: //www. ppic. org/content/pubs/jtf/JTF_I migrants. JTF. pdf. Kim, S. Y. , Gonzales, N. A. , Stroh, K. , & Wang, J. J. (2006). Parent-child Cultural Marginalization and Depressive Symptoms in Asian American Family Members. Journal of Community Psychology, 34(2), 168.

References Piedra, L. M. , & Engstrom, D. W. (2009). Segmented Assimilation Theory and the Life Model: An Integrated Approach to Understanding Immigrants and Their Children. Social Work, 54(3), 270 -277. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. http: //www. sethschwartz. info/pdfs/Structur e_of_Cultural_Identity. pdf

References http: //www. acf. hhs. gov/healthymarriage/pdf/Cultural_A daptation. pdf (This link is a brief summary of information about the cultural adaptation process of Hispanics into the United States which I felt applies to the experiences of many Hispanics here in the Central Valley. ) • Martin, J. N. , Hammer, M. R. & Bradford, L. (1994). The Influence of cultural and situational contexts on Hispanic and non-Hispanic communication competence behaviors. Communication Quarterly, 42, 160 -179. 44