What is biculturalism, and what is its relation to identity

I have written a lot about identity in relocation. Today I want to bring up another aspect of this topic: biculturalism.

Contacts between cultures might lead to biculturalism, which is living between two cultures in one particular place (not transnationalism).

Biculturalism, for example, is when each of the parents is a member of a different culture or when both parents are members of the same culture but live in a different culture.

Biculturalism can be very enriching and have positive consequences: in our perception of the other, in our openness to accept differences, and in reducing ethnocentric views.

On the other hand, problems can arise, mainly on questions of identity and identification. A meeting between cultures can be charged and cause tensions. Berry (2005) claims that the intercultural context is a potential source of conflict, that there is a need to recognize the problems and to adapt to one degree or another. This process requires a behavioural change that can last for years if not for generations. This demand learning new  language(s), food, customs, dress codes and social interactions.

In my previous posts I wrote that identity, among other things, is built via belonging to one or the other group. What happens when we feel we belong to two or more groups? Furthermore, what happens when there is a fundamental conflict between the cultures, for example when each of the parents is a member of a different religion?

How do we manage our lives between two cultures?

By dialoguing and expressing our expectations, where each of the parties says what is important for them to preserve and on what they can compromise. If it is important to me that my children speak Hebrew with me, I will insist on it. If it is important to me to have a family meal on Shabbat evening, I will do the necessary to have these meals. I will try to lead the family to a new tradition.

If you have biculturalism, tell us: how does it work for you?

Dr. Efrat Tzadik

Expert in migration, integration, identity and identification

Certified coach for personal development and empowerment