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Entre dos mundos/between two worlds: bicultural development in context
Martica L Bacallao1, Paul R Smokowski
1Department of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, USA. m.bacallao@uncg.edu
The Journal of Primary Prevention
|May 2, 2009
Summary
Mexican immigrant adolescents navigate acculturation by maintaining Mexican traditions while integrating U.S. cultural elements. This process fosters bilingualism and biculturalism, balancing distinct cultural influences.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Cultural Studies
Background:
- Acculturation presents challenges for immigrant adolescents balancing multiple cultural influences.
- Understanding identity formation in bicultural contexts is crucial for immigrant youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how Mexican immigrant adolescents balance cultural influences during acculturation.
- To examine identity creation and bicultural development within Mexican immigrant families.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative in-depth interviews with 12 undocumented Mexican adolescents and 14 parents.
- Application of Alternation Theory to guide the study.
- Interviews with multiple family members to assess individual and family acculturation dynamics.
Main Results:
- Mexican immigrant families actively resist assimilation while integrating U.S. cultural aspects.
- Strong Mexican identities are preserved through customs, values, and traditions.
- Adolescents and parents develop bilingualism and biculturalism by integrating U.S. language and behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Mexican immigrant adolescents and their families successfully navigate acculturation by balancing cultural systems.
- The process involves maintaining heritage identity while adapting to new cultural demands.
- Bilingualism and biculturalism emerge as key outcomes of this adaptive acculturation strategy.
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