A Meta-Analysis of Acculturation and Enculturation: Bilinear, Multidimensional, and Context-Dependent Processes

Abstract

Acculturation and enculturation are currently conceptualized as bilinear, multidimensional, and context-dependent cultural socialization processes (Yoon et al., 2013). Yet, this conceptualization requires further specification and empirical evidence. Our work is timely given the downward shift in productivity of traditional acculturation research and the need for a new direction. We examined the constructs and processes of acculturation and enculturation by meta-analytically synthesizing the findings of 255 publications (343 independent samples). In support of a bilinear (vs. unilinear) conceptualization, we found that acculturation and enculturation were only slightly associated with each other, r = −.18. In support of multidimensionality and context-dependency, their relationship varied by dimension (e.g., nonsignificant association of mainstream and ethnic identities vs. significant associations in other dimensions), geographic region, and race. Additionally, acculturation and enculturation rates/patterns varied by dimension; extrinsic changes (e.g., behavior) proceeded faster than intrinsic changes (e.g., values, identity). We discuss a direction for future research and implications for practice, advocacy, and education/training.

Understanding the Multifaceted Acculturation Process of Chinese Immigrants

“…Instead, one's social, political, and economic context should be considered. Understanding acculturation from interaction with one's context was supported by Yoon et al (2020), who confirmed the process of acculturation and enculturation was interactive with social context.…”

“…The results from this study show that the scores in the three areas of the acculturation process in U.S. and Chinese domains are positively correlated, providing evidence that acculturation could be bi-directional, rather than unidirectional. A recent meta-analysis result by Yoon et al (2020) supported the bilinear relationship and multidimensionality of acculturation and enculturation.…”

“…Many believe that acculturation is not necessarily linear or stable and it should have multiple components (Nguyen et al 1999;Padilla 1980;Pham et al 2017). Yoon et al (2020) posited that acculturation is bilinear rather than unilineal, presenting as multidimensional across behaviors, cultural identity, values, and within social contexts.…”

A review of organizational research on acculturation from a nonwork–work spillover perspective: Content analysis and future research guidelines

“…socializing with others does not necessarily mean adopting their values or identifying with them, or high levels of language proficiency does not guarantee adherence to cultural values; Miller & Kerlow‐Myers, 2009; Nguyen & Benet‐Martinez, 2007; Phinney & Ong, 2007; Selmer & de Leon, 1993; Tsai et al., 2002) and may differ in their rate of development (e.g. behaviours in the form of language use may occur faster than changes in values; Kim et al., 1999; Yoon et al., 2020). For this reason, it is important to indicate the domain of interest when conceptualizing and operationalizing the domain‐specificity aspect of acculturation.…”

“…Excluded is also a multiculturalism perspective, which focuses on identity as a sense of belonging and emotional attachment to one or more cultural groups (e.g. Benet‐Martínez and Haritatos, 2005; Phinney and Ong, 2007) and the internalization of cultural knowledge, values and schemas (for a review, see Vora et al., 2019). According to the multicultural perspective, the acculturation process operates similarly for anyone who has internalized more than one culture, whereas the NWS perspective emphasizes the differences in acculturation processes for cultural minority versus majority members.…”