Motivation for Ethno-Cultural Continuity as a Predictor of Acculturation and Adaptation in Two Generations of Latvian Russians

Abstract

This article presents the results of empirical research on the relationship of motivation for ethno-cultural continuity (MEC) and strategies of acculturation among two generations of the Russian minority in Latvia. We sampled 107 Russian families (mothers: N = 107, age = 35-59, M = 42 years; late adolescents and youth: N = 107, age = 16-24, M = 17 years). The questionnaire included measures of motivation for ethno-cultural continuity, acculturation strategies, sociocultural adaptation, and self-esteem. A path model showed that motivation for ethno-cultural continuity, preference for assimilation, self-esteem, and sociocultural adaptation of mothers significantly related to those of their children. A motivation for ethno-cultural continuity of mothers predicted their preference for integration and self-esteem, while a motivation for ethno-cultural continuity of adolescents predicted their preference for separation. Preference for integration promoted better sociocultural adaptation and self-esteem in both generations. The results allowed consideration of the process of acculturation on the three interrelated levels: individual, family, and ethnic group, with the central role of the family, teaching younger generations to maintain heritage culture and successfully integrate in the larger society.

The effects of ethnic identity and acculturation in mental health of immigrants: A literature review

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“…Immigrants are primarily exposed to culture shock in their country of origin and experience feelings of confusion, denial, and anger due to acculturation stress (Wang and Srek 2018). While early studies examined the level of cultural change that immigrants undergo depending on the migration process (Bornstein and Cote 2010), the current trend is to evaluate the process of mutual influence of the ethnocultural community with the dominant culture and two-way relationships (Ryabichenko and Lebedeva 2017). It is also important to study the changes that occur after contact between various ethnic groups and the dominant culture (Finsenan and Kotsadam 2017).…”

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