Event Title
Identity and Culture: Autoethnographic Research on Psychological Acculturation
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Behavioral Science
Mentor Information
Amy Masko, maskoa@gvsu.edu
Department
English
Location
Kirkhof Center 2216
Start Date
13-4-2011 1:30 PM
End Date
13-4-2011 2:00 PM
Keywords
Culture, Social Science, World Perspective
Abstract
Studying abroad in Cape Coast, Ghana led to my first exposure to psychological acculturation, a catalyst of personal and cultural identity exploration as a consequence of contact between individuals of two dissimilar cultures. Drawing from research on identity formation, racial identity, cultural identity, and whiteness studies, I have attempted to creatively capture my experiences in a novella. The project is meant to be an autoethnographic contribution to the greater academic discussion on identity and psychological acculturation. The finished novella is also a tool to educate its readers in Ghanaian culture, racial issues, and racial and cultural identity. Additionally, I hope to promote travelling and encourage personal and cultural identity exploration, which is becoming exceedingly important in our globalizing society.
Identity and Culture: Autoethnographic Research on Psychological Acculturation
Kirkhof Center 2216
Studying abroad in Cape Coast, Ghana led to my first exposure to psychological acculturation, a catalyst of personal and cultural identity exploration as a consequence of contact between individuals of two dissimilar cultures. Drawing from research on identity formation, racial identity, cultural identity, and whiteness studies, I have attempted to creatively capture my experiences in a novella. The project is meant to be an autoethnographic contribution to the greater academic discussion on identity and psychological acculturation. The finished novella is also a tool to educate its readers in Ghanaian culture, racial issues, and racial and cultural identity. Additionally, I hope to promote travelling and encourage personal and cultural identity exploration, which is becoming exceedingly important in our globalizing society.