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Reverse Acculturation: A New Cultural Phenomenon Examined Through an Emerging Wedding Practice of Korean Americans in the United States

Bowling Green State University, ykim{at}bgsu.edu

Sung-Yeon Park

Bowling Green State University

Relatively recent Korean immigration to the United States has brought a new development in acculturation, which is recognized as reverse acculturation. The term is coined here for the first time to refer to the cultural practice wherein a fully acculturated U.S.-born minority member introduces the heritage culture to the U.S. society. At the individual level, the cultural development goes from full assimilation/integration to incorporation/reinforcement of heritage culture. At the societal level, the cultural exchange starts at the center of the host society instead of its periphery. Global exchange, advanced computer and communication technology, and multiculturalism in the United States are identified as the facilitators. As an example, reverse acculturation is illustrated here via wedding ceremonies of some Korean Americans who integrate part of traditional Korean wedding with conventional Western wedding. As fully acculturated members of the mainstream U.S. society, these young Korean Americans learn their heritage culture through international travels and advanced communication channels such as the Internet; they then introduce the heritage culture to their non-Korean spouse and family. The implications of reverse acculturation are further discussed for teaching, research, and practice of family and consumer sciences.

Key Words: acculturation • Korean Americans • traditional Korean wedding • Pyebaek

Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, Vol. 37, No. 3, 359-375 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1077727X08330758


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