Editorial | Special Issue: Acculturation Reimagined

Acculturation Reimagined—Charting new directions in a pluralistic world

David L. Sam

https://doi.org/10.56296/aip00052
Published: January 21, 2026
Copyright: The authors (CC BY 4.0)

Sam, D.L. & Kunst, J.R. (2026). Acculturation Reimagined—Charting new directions in a pluralistic world. advances.in/psychology, 1, e172075. https://doi.org/10.56296/aip00052

Sam, David L., and Jonas R. Kunst. "Acculturation Reimagined—Charting new directions in a pluralistic world." advances.in/psychology, vol. 1, no. 1, 2026, e172075. https://doi.org/10.56296/aip00052.

Sam, David L., and Jonas R. Kunst. 2026. "Acculturation Reimagined—Charting new directions in a pluralistic world." advances.in/psychology 1 (1): e172075. https://doi.org/10.56296/aip00052.

Sam DL, Kunst JR. Acculturation Reimagined—Charting new directions in a pluralistic world. advances.in/psychology. 2026;1(1):e172075. doi:10.56296/aip00052.

Sam, D.L. and Kunst, J.R. (2026) 'Acculturation Reimagined—Charting new directions in a pluralistic world', advances.in/psychology, 1(1), e172075. Available at: https://doi.org/10.56296/aip00052.

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This special issue, Acculturation Reimagined, argues for a paradigm shift in acculturation science to address 21st-century globalization, digital connectivity, and shifting cultural landscapes. Moving beyond static models, the contributions challenge foundational tenets through rigorous methodological critiques and innovative theoretical frameworks. Key discussions include a re-examination of the integration hypothesis, where recent meta-analyses reveal that past findings may stem from flawed bivariate methods rather than true interaction effects. The issue also highlights the “integration paradox,” showing how discrimination can undermine the well-being of the most structurally integrated immigrants. Expanding the field’s scope, authors introduce concepts of digitally mediated acculturation and advocate for indigenizing research to honor Indigenous epistemologies. A significant focus is placed on temporal dynamics, distinguishing true developmental perspectives—such as acculturation tempo—from simple longitudinal measurement. Empirical work further illustrates the complexity of adaptation, revealing that emotional fit with a majority culture can paradoxically lead to disengagement in discriminatory contexts. Collectively, these papers chart a future for acculturation research that is multivariate, context-sensitive, temporally dynamic, and inclusive of diverse lived experiences.

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