CONSIDERING A THEORY OF CULTURAL TRAUMA AND LOSS

Abstract

The authors propose a model of cultural trauma and revitalization. The theory suggests a framework for understanding disruptions that an “original” culture might suffer at the imposition of an “arriving” culture resulting in vulnerabilities of individuals, families/small groups, communities, and the larger societies. The cultural clash model posits that original cultures have identifiable and sustainable economic, social, political, and spiritual systems in the pre-contact era. Exposure to an arriving culture can radically alter the character and sustainability of the original culture. Emergence from the challenge can lead to cultural dissolution, but there can also be revitalization and reorganization. This can occur if the injured culture lays claim to economic and social resources, preferably with the support and encouragement of the hegemonic culture. The end result can be a form of bicultural or multicultural adaptation by the members of the original culture. Suggestions for testing the model of cultural trauma are offered by using culturally relevant variables in path analysis or structural equation modeling. The article closes with a discussion of issues related to individual, small group, community, and societal interventions following cultural loss and trauma.