Globalisation and acculturation

When groups of different cultural backgrounds and their individual members engage each other, a process of acculturation begins, leading to cultural and psychological changes in both parties. A second process (globalisation) is also initiated by intercultural contact and leads to cultural and individual change. Two long-held assumptions are that (i) these two processes induce more change among non-dominant peoples, and (ii) the eventual outcome will be the loss of distinctive cultural and behavioural features of non-dominant group members, leading to their absorption into a homogeneous society that resembles the original dominant group. The long-term outcome is thus believed to be one rather homogeneous global society, sharing beliefs, values, consumer preferences and social structures. In this paper these assumptions are challenged, employing an acculturation framework that posits highly variable cultural and psychological outcomes that follow from intergroup contact. In addition to the assimilation of non-dominant peoples into dominant societies (either within societies or internationally), this framework proposes that other outcomes are possible: integration results in the maintenance of existing cultures and behaviours while peoples engage in day-to-day interaction within an evolving civic framework; separation results in the cultural and psychological maintenance when groups and individuals avoid interaction as much as possible; and marginalisation results in cultural and psychological loss, particularly among non-dominant populations, along with their exclusion from full and equitable participation in the larger society. Examples of such variability are provided, using empirical studies of indigenous and diasporic peoples, immigrants, and nation states. It is concluded that, rather than assimilation and homogenisation resulting from intercultural contact, the more likely outcomes are either some forms of integration (exhibiting a high degree of cultural and psychological continuity and producing new social structures that incorporate interacting peoples), or separation (in the form of resistance and revitalisation of heritage cultures).