Acculturation and the Role of Media in Socialization

Abstract

This entry describes the study of acculturation emphasizing the role of media in socialization. It highlights that interpersonal communication and mass media use have been two key parts in the process of acculturation when immigrants or international students move from one culture to another culture. In terms of explaining the role of media, previous studies have employed two different approaches: the unidimensional approach and the bidimensional approach. Early studies in general supported the unidimensional approach indicating that the use of host media, and reducing the use of ethnic media, facilitated fast and smooth transition to a new culture, while sticking to ethnic media retarded cultural adaptation. As the Internet and social media have become more prominent in recent years, the bidimensional approach is demonstrating more explanatory power in that immigrants or international students can maintain the balance between adopting a new culture and sustaining their cultural origin and identity. Some studies, however, have suggested that either approach cannot be universally applied to the acculturation contexts. Although the Internet and social media have played an integral role in the process of acculturation, it should be noted that the role of mass media, especially television viewing, can still be essential for immigrants or international students to understand the host society's values, norms, and behaviors, particularly in the initial stages of acculturation. Finally, suggestions for future research are discussed.