Bicultural resynthesis: Tailoring an effectiveness trial for a group of urban American Indian women.

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study of a 6-week effectiveness trial was to describe among a group of urban American Indian women, the process of successful traditionalism in the form of bicultural resynthesis. Bicultural resynthesis represents a major current attempt on the part of the participants to integrate traditional and contemporary demands in a positive, culturally-consistent manner. The themes of shame and isolation, adapting to survive, deculturation, ethnic switching/renewal, and bicultural resynthesis are discussed. Further support is achieved for retraditionalization of American Indian women s roles as an effective means of achieving American Indian self-determination and as a potential way of helping women overcome problems.