Addressing the causes of the causes: Why we need to integrate social determinants into acculturation theory

Abstract

Although it is widely accepted that acculturative processes are influenced by social systems, most studies focus on individual level determinants of acculturation (e.g., behaviours, psychological mechanisms, interpersonal/intergroup processes) in isolation from the social conditions of people’s lives. In this article, first I provide a critical analysis of individualizing perspectives using the example of ageing and life course accumulation of disadvantage among migrants. Following this, I offer an alternative approach to studying the determinants of acculturative processes and adaptation. Borrowing from the public health literature, I introduce social determinants of health, also known as the causes of the causes. I highlight that deeply entrenched inequities in societies create the conditions for acculturation. Social structures pattern how migrants acculturate, whether they achieve positive outcomes, and the relationship between acculturative processes and cross-cultural adaptation. Finally, I offer some thoughts on advancing our empirical approach to acculturation by incorporating social determinants, such as inequities in socioeconomic position, along with individual level determinants into our models and interpretations.