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

K. V. Brintha; Dr. B. Rajasekaran

doi:10.14419/t2fj7e17

Article Details

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

Authors:

K. V. Brintha | Dr. B. Rajasekaran

Publisher:

Science Publishing Corporation

Journal:

International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences Vol.14 Issue 4, pp.361-367

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001387291

pISSN:

2227-5053

DOI:

10.14419/t2fj7e17

Keywords:

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.

Article Details

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

Authors:

K. V. Brintha | Dr. B. Rajasekaran

Publisher:

Science Publishing Corporation

Journal:

International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences Vol.14 Issue 4, pp.361-367

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001387291

pISSN:

2227-5053

DOI:

10.14419/t2fj7e17

Contra-Acculturation

Cultural Resistance

Migrant Identity

Assimilation

Cultural Activism

Heritage Preservation

Issues

Article Details

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

Authors: K. V. Brintha | Dr. B. Rajasekaran

Publisher: Science Publishing Corporation

Journal: International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences Vol.14 Issue 4, pp.361-367

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 12/2025

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001387291

pISSN: 2227-5053

DOI: 10.14419/t2fj7e17

Contra-Acculturation

Cultural Resistance

Migrant Identity

Assimilation

Cultural Activism

Heritage Preservation

Issues

Authors:

K. V. Brintha | Dr. B. Rajasekaran

Publisher:

Science Publishing Corporation

Journal:

International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences Vol.14 Issue 4, pp.361-367

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001387291

pISSN:

2227-5053

DOI:

10.14419/t2fj7e17