Intersectionality of cultural identity among immigrants in South Korea from a multidimensional acculturation perspective

ABSTRACT

Acculturation is a multidimensional construct, addressing changes in cultural identity and behavioral patterns. The aim of this study was to investigate the multidimensionality of acculturation which was associated with cultural identity in Chinese-born ethnic Koreans, known as Joseonjok in Korean. This study included 229 Joseonjok health care aides who were born and raised in China and immigrated to South Korea after the age of 18. Analysis using clustering procedures identified three discrete patterns of acculturation—separated, assimilated, and integrated—which were appreciably different in terms of identity status. The study findings provide a useful framework for examining the multidimensional aspects of acculturation in culturally diverse populations.

KEYWORDS:

• Multidimensionality
• acculturation
• Joseonjok
• cultural identity
• culturally diverse populations