EDITORS' INTRODUCTION

Cultures have never been static. Their fluid nature means that individuals in any culture are equally likely to be influenced by effects of other cultures and factors with which they may have direct or indirect contact. Some of the cultural characteristics and inherent traits in individuals are more prone to changes than others. The impact of one culture on another depends upon a number of factors, such as the degree of the contact, duration of this contact and purpose of such contact. If one culture invades another for political and economic reasons, the outcome is likely to be different than if the contact is through media at a distance. Linked within this process is the process of urbanization, which brings another set of changes within one culture.

Berry, in this chapter, defines acculturation as a process of cultural and psychological change in cultural groups, families and individuals following intercultural contact. Cultural identity refers to the ways in which individuals establish and maintain connections with, and a sense of belonging to, various groups.

The processes and outcomes of these processes are highly variable, with large group and individual differences. This chapter focuses on describing some of these processes, the strategies people use to deal with them, and the adaptations that result. Three questions are raised: how do individuals and groups seek to acculturate?; how well do they succeed?; and are there any relationships between how they go about acculturation and their psychological and sociocultural success? In reviewing studies addressing these questions, Berry notes that evidence indicates that the most commonly chosen strategy is integration (defined as preferring to maintain one's cultural heritage while seeking to participate in the life of the larger society), rather than assimilation, separation or marginalization.