This paper reviews extant findings regarding the development of cultural attachment. We explore the concept of cultural attachment. Cultural attachment is the affective bond between individuals and their culture. Its dimensions include positive cultural evaluation, individual-culture affectivity, and direct participation in cultural activities. In addition, we explore the relationship between cultural attachment and four other relevant concepts: general attachment, cultural identity, cultural confidence, and acculturation.
Cultural attachment differs from general attachment. Cultural attachment objects include concrete groups and multiple abstract world outlooks that are culturally based. Individuals can construct multicultural attachment from a single cultural attachment state. The connection between cultural attachment and general attachment is that both of them can create a sense of security.
There are three differences between cultural attachment and cultural identity. First, cultural attachment forms through interactions and cooperation within a group. In contrast, cultural identity is formed by comparing different groups. Second, cultural symbols elicit individuals' “safe behavior” in cultural attachment, while they activate individuals' knowledge systems in cultural identity. Finally, cultural attachment usually plays a role after separation, death, and other similar situations, while cultural identity is activated irrespective of the situation. The connection between cultural attachment and cultural identity is that cultural identity is the cognitive basis of cultural attachment.
There are four differences between cultural attachment and cultural confidence. First, the emotional component of cultural attachment includes different valences of emotion. However, cultural confidence refers exclusively to positive emotions. Second, cultural attachment includes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors, while cultural confidence comprises an individual's overall view of culture. Third, cultural attachment involves unconscious individual-cultural affective bonding. In contrast, cultural confidence is a conscious and rational process. Fourth, the formation process of cultural attachment stems from intragroup interactions, while cultural confidence includes exchange and mutual learning between two or more different cultural groups. Cultural attachment and cultural confidence are related to and generated through cultural identity. Furthermore, they have positive emotional components and serve as cultural resources to alleviate negative emotions.
Cultural attachment and acculturation are mutually reinforcing. In the early stages of cross-cultural contact, a secure attachment to the culture of one's home country can increase the willingness to contact other cultural groups. In comparison, acculturated individuals also form attachments to other cultures. This process establishes a beneficial cycle of cultural attachment and acculturation. However, cultural attachment and acculturation have different concerns. Cultural attachment emphasizes process, while acculturation emphasizes results.
Therefore, this paper offers a unique perspective by clarifying the concepts of cultural attachment. Furthermore, it expands the differences and connections between cultural attachment and other relevant concepts of general attachment, cultural identity, cultural confidence, and acculturation. This paper could help to ensure the independent status of cultural attachment studies. In addition, it provides an essential theoretical basis for the development of subsequent cultural attachment studies. Future research should focus on the development of indigenous measurement tools of cultural attachment, explore the mechanisms of cultural attachment by combining the social identity theory and the attachment theory, and expand the social value of cultural attachment.
Key words
cultural attachment /
general attachment /
cultural identity /
cultural confidence /
acculturation
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