BICULTURALISM

Biculturalism implies the existence of two distinct cultural groups, usually of unequal status and power, within a society united by one economic and political structure. Research indicates that biculturalism and acculturation can influence inter-generational differences in health beliefs and behaviors for certain U.S. ethnic groups. Unlike acculturated individuals, bicultural individuals identify with core elements of their culture of origin as well as the dominant culture. Bicultural individuals successfully integrate into and participate in important aspects of both cultures, values, and belief systems. Such people are especially valuable in program planning, outreach, and implementation.

June Gutierrez English

(see also: Acculturation; Asian Americans; Assimilation; Cross-Cultural Communication, Competence; Cultural Anthropology; Cultural Identity; Cultural Norms; Customs; Folk Medicine; Hispanic Cultures )

Bibliography

Chavez, L. E.; Hubbell, E. A.; McMullen, J. M.; Martinez, R. A.; and Mishra, S. J. (1995). "Structure and Meaning in Models of Breast and Cervical Cancer Risk Factors: A Comparison of Perception among Latinas, Anglo Women, and Physicians." Medical Anthropological Quarterly 9:40–74.

Chen, M., and Koh, H. (1997). "The Need for Cancer Prevention and Control among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders." Asian American and Pacific Islander Journal of Health 5:3–6.

English, J. G., and Le, A. (1999). "Assessing Needs and Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programs among Asian American Population Groups." In Promoting Health in Multicultural Populations: A Handbook for Practitioners, eds. R. M. Huff and M. V. Klein. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.