Is Acculturation a Dynamic Construct?

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that culture is a dynamic construct activated in response to cues encountered in a given situation. Research on acculturation indicates that this is a complex construct that might be domain specific. Two studies were undertaken to investigate the effect of two ways of priming culture on acculturation and enculturation scores in a Hispanic population. In study 1 ( N = 59) culture was primed by exposing participants to cultural icons and symbols representative of Mexican and American Culture. In study 2 ( N = 145) culture was primed by randomly assigning participants to answer questionnaires in English or Spanish. Results suggest that affiliation with host and/or heritage cultures is a malleable construct. Implications for acculturation measurement are discussed.