Papers from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology Conferences
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
In this paper we attempt to answer two related questions. First, which acculturation strategies are used by Hindus and Muslims in mutual intercultural relations and second, how contact with the members of the other group is associated with their acculturation strategies, cultural identity, and cultural security in different local contexts. A sample of 540 participants consisting of 241 Hindus and 299 Muslims, was drawn from three cities which differ in terms of their cultural and demographic histories. One of these was primarily a Hindu city, namely, Varanasi; second, a metropolis, Mumbai; and the third, some Muslim towns of the state of Jammu & Srinagar. Their social and political contexts differ widely, particularly with respect to the pattern of relationships that drive interactions of Hindus and Muslims in these cities. An instrument used in the MIRIPS (Mutual Intercultural Relations in Plural Societies) project led by Berry (2017) was used to measure contact, cultural identity, cultural security and acculturation strategies of the participants. Results showed that Integration and Coexistence were the most preferred acculturation strategies, while Assimilation and Marginalization were the least preferred both, in the case of Hindus and Muslims. Muslims exhibited stronger cultural identity and cultural security as compared to Hindus. Regression Analysis, out-group contact came out as a strong predictor of Integration, Coexistence, and Assimilation acculturation strategies, and also of cultural security. But it was found to be a negative predictor of cultural identity for both Hindus and Muslims. In the case of Hindus out-group contact also showed up as a strong negative predictor of Separation strategy. These findings are discussed in terms of certain culture-specific features of these cities and India. It is argued that we need different acculturation strategies for negotiation of positive intergroup relations in different contexts.
ScholarWorks Citation
Bano, S., Mishra, R. C. and Tripathi, R. C. (2024). Cultural Identity, Cultural Security and Acculturation Strategies of Hindus and Muslims in India. In E. E. Buchtel & W. Friedlmeier (Eds.), Year of the Golden Jubilee: Culture Change in the Past, Present and Future. Proceedings from the 26th Congress of the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.4087/MQBJ7187
