Assimilation into a new culture and Society
- Cultural, background, religious, political and social differences can be a bit of a difficulty when trying to fit in.
- Language Barrier - Physical Appearance and stereotypes can also affect assimilation into new culture - Many times, showing interest in the native language, food, history and traditions can get you a warm welcome and being accepted more easily into the culture if they see you appreciate their traditions and show genuine interest. Sometimes there are divides between the races and economic statuses which can cause resentment between the cultures. Places like Britain, America and Australia where this is evident and the different cultures haven’t integrated causing racism and even hatred. |
Expectations and Pressure from parents, school and society
- Expectation from parents to retain traditions and culture of own culture even though the child has been living overseas and is exposed to opposing views which can influence their thinking. The difference between the parent’s world view and the child’s can cause internal conflicts and family disputes if not handled correctly.
- Children may also feel pressure to act more traditional and culturally appropriate at home but are expected to behave differently at school to fit in. Life becomes hard because they are living a double life. - Family can view the child’s “western” or different behavior as a negative and shameful thing. Religious views as well as morals and values will be challenged when in an environment where you are exposed to so many alternatives that oppose your own beliefs |
Challenges of assimilating back into the country of heritage
- Many TCK’s tend to go back “home” to visit or live and find out that the home they may have left years ago is not the same one they are returning to because they themselves have moved on while their friends and family that stayed have lived in that same culture and therefore sometimes find it difficult to relate to a TCK.
- The local community sometimes looks down upon them because they no longer are the same as them and hold different views which can be considered odd. Social Barriers like language, common jokes or phrases, food, political views, income, dressing, world views, morals and values can make the assimilation back into society challenging. |