A fish out of water : a phenomenological study on reverse acculturation of relocated Anglo-Americans

Material Information

Title:
A fish out of water : a phenomenological study on reverse acculturation of relocated Anglo-Americans
Series Title:
Barry University Dissertations -- School of Education
Creator:
Tennant, Ginny Peterson
Place of Publication:
Miami, Fla.
Publisher:
Barry University
Publication Date:
Language:
English
Physical Description:
xiv, 179 leaves ; 28 cm

Thesis/Dissertation Information

Degree Disciplines:
Education

Notes

Abstract:
Purpose : During the last 20 years the demographics of the U.S. have changed dramatically. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2008), a shift has taken place in many metropolitan areas. Within specific regions of the U.S., the Anglo-American majority group has been replaced by a Hispanic majority. Predictions by the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that this trend will continue well into the mid-21st century. The present study explored the lived experiences of Anglo-Americans who relocated and acculturated to living in a predominantly U.S. Hispanic metropolitan area. This process is called reverse acculturation. Method : The present study used a qualitative research design using a hermeneutical phenomenological approach to explore experiences of adults during their efforts to acculturate and adapt to living in a predominantly U.S. Hispanic metropolitan area. The research question was: What are the acculturation strategies and adaptation experiences of relocated Anglo-Americans who live within the reverse acculturation situation of Miami-Dade County, Florida? A purposeful sample of eight participants was interviewed. The participants were adult Anglo-Americans reared in another U.S. state who relocated to Miami-Dade County, Florida. Each participant had at least one school-aged child and had lived in the county for a minimum of two years. Major Findings : Data analysis revealed three major themes, namely, culture shock, coping strategies, and adaptation. The culture shock that the participants encountered included: language barrier, driving style, and lifestyle differences. Once the participants began to use coping strategies, the culture shock dissipated. Specific strategies participants used to cope with their acculturation experience included engaging in activities such as festivals, outdoor concerts and recreational activities, making friends, and changing expectations. Adaptation occurred when participants chose to change their attitude, behavior, and values. The overall picture of the phenomenon can best be stated as: Anglo-Americans who relocated to Miami-Dade County, Florida underwent a reverse acculturation experience consisting of an initial culture shock, followed by using coping strategies to achieve different degrees of adaptation to their new community.
Thesis:
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2011.
Bibliography:
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 148-170).

Record Information

Source Institution:
Barry University
Holding Location:
Barry University Archives and Special Collections
Rights Management:
Copyright Ginny P. Tennant. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Resource Identifier:
HM841.T46 2011_TennantGinny ( BU-Local )
Classification:
HM841.T46 2011 ( lcc )

BUDC Membership

Aggregations:
Barry University
Theses and Dissertations