Contra-Acculturation as Cultural Activism: Resisting‎Assimilation in Migrant Identity Formation

  • Authors

    • K. V. Brintha Research scholar, Department of English, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai
    • Dr. B. Rajasekaran Associate Professor, Department of English, Saraswathi Narayanan College, Madurai
    https://doi.org/10.14419/t2fj7e17

    Received date: April 20, 2025

    Accepted date: July 10, 2025

    Published date: August 12, 2025

  • Contra-Acculturation; Cultural Resistance; Migrant Identity; Assimilation; Cultural Activism; Heritage Preservation

  • Abstract

    Contra-acculturation represents a powerful and intentional form of cultural resistance in which marginalized groups reject the dominant cultural ‎norms imposed upon them by socially and politically powerful entities. Rather than passively assimilate, communities engaged in contra-‎acculturation assert their cultural distinctiveness as a mode of activism and identity preservation. This paper repositions contra-acculturation as ‎a strategic response to assimilation pressures, exploring its multidimensional expressions through cultural practices, values, and identifications. ‎By critically engaging with existing acculturation theories and expanding upon Berry’s bidimensional model, this study introduces a ‎framework that foregrounds agency, dissent, and resilience. Drawing from interdisciplinary insights in psychology, sociology, and migration ‎studies, it further highlights how grassroots heritage initiatives and community-based resistance contribute to psychological well-being and ‎socio-cultural continuity. Empirical studies have demonstrated that engagement in heritage language maintenance and cultural activism ‎positively correlates with migrants’ psychological well-being, reducing acculturative stress and promoting identity coherence (Rivas-Drake et ‎al., 2009; Umaña-Taylor et al., 2009). These findings affirm that contra-acculturation supports both mental health and socio-cultural continuity. ‎In doing so, the paper contributes to both theoretical scholarship and practical discourse on migrant identity formation, with implications for ‎cultural policy, integration frameworks, and social equity‎.

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  • How to Cite

    Brintha, K. V. ., & Rajasekaran , D. B. . (2025). Contra-Acculturation as Cultural Activism: Resisting‎Assimilation in Migrant Identity Formation. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 14(4), 361-367. https://doi.org/10.14419/t2fj7e17