Between heritage and belonging: Cultural identity reconstruction among Malaysian Chinese across generations

Understanding how minority communities sustain cultural identity across generations remains a central concern in social psychology and cultural studies. This study addresses this issue by examining the Malaysian Chinese community through the lens of social and psychological processes. Guided by Social Identity Theory and Identity Negotiation Theory, the research investigates whether membership esteem, private collective self-esteem, public collective self-esteem, and identity importance are associated with cultural identity, and whether identity confusion and acculturation difficulty mediate these relationships. Survey data were collected from 398 respondents across three generational cohorts. Results indicate that all four dimensions of social identity are positively associated with cultural identity. Mediation analysis shows that identity confusion serves as a consistent mediator, whereas acculturation difficulty plays a more limited role. Evidence of a sequential pathway, in which identity confusion increases acculturation difficulty and together they reduce cultural identification, is observed in some dimensions. Generational comparisons further reveal that older cohorts report stronger cultural identity and lower psychological strain, while younger cohorts experience greater confusion and adaptation stress, reflecting growing pressures on heritage continuity in a globalizing environment. By clarifying both the structural role of social identity and the psychological mechanisms that transmit its influence, the study advances understanding of generational variation in cultural identity formation. Practical implications include heritage language programs, intergenerational mentoring, and culturally responsive mental health initiatives to support the cultural identity of the Malaysian Chinese community.