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. These cities differ significantly in their social and political contexts, particularly in terms of the patterns of Hindu-Muslim interactions that shape intergroup relationships. 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 by both groups, Hindus and Muslims. Furthermore, Muslims exhibited stronger cultural identity and cultural security as compared to Hindus. Regression analysis revealed that out-group contact was a strong predictor of Integration, Coexistence, and Assimilation acculturation strategies, as well as cultural security. However, out-group contact was found to be a negative predictor of cultural identity for both Hindus and Muslims. Among Hindus, out-group contact also emerged as a strong negative predictor of Separation strategy. These findings are discussed in relation to certain culture-specific features of these cities and India.
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
