1 Psychology and human development1.10 Social psychology
1.10.4.11 Acculturation and receiving societies
1 min read
Written by Resident Doctor Committee · Published
New in the 2027 syllabus
The College added this topic for exams from January 2027.
What acculturation means
Acculturation is the change that happens when cultural groups are in sustained contact. It affects the receiving community as well as the migrants.
Berry's model treats two questions separately. Does the person keep their heritage culture? Do they take part in the receiving society? The answers give four patterns.
Heritage maintained | Participation sought | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
Yes | Yes | Integration |
No | Yes | Assimilation |
Yes | No | Separation |
No | No | Marginalisation |
Choice and constraint
These patterns are not always free choices. What the receiving society allows also shapes the outcome.
Multiculturalism supports participation while recognising cultural differences. Integration also depends on whether the receiving society permits equal participation.
Segregation is separation imposed by the dominant society. In Berry's model, separation instead describes the minority group's own orientation.
The melting-pot metaphor describes cultures blending together. It is often linked with pressure towards assimilation, but what it means for policy depends on the context.
Marginalisation may follow exclusion and a loss of belonging. It is not necessarily a freely chosen rejection of both cultures.
Mental health context
Acculturative stress is the stress that comes from the process of acculturation. Sources can include:
language barriers
loss of status
discrimination
conflict between generations.
Practical circumstances also affect how well a person adjusts. These include legal security, housing, income and supportive relationships. A cultural label alone cannot explain an individual's outcome.