NAVIGATING THE SELF: MIGRATION, CULTURAL IDENTITY, AND THE QUEST FOR BELONGING IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Migration has become a defining feature of the globalized era, profoundly shaping individual and collective cultural identities. This study aims to explore how migrants negotiate their sense of self between heritage traditions and host societies, moving beyond the simplistic notion of assimilation to examine the formation of hybrid and transnational identities. Methods: A systematic review of interdisciplinary literature from sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies was conducted. The analysis draws on key theoretical frameworks, including Berry’s acculturation model and theories of hybridity, to understand how migrants reconstruct cultural identity in diverse contexts. Results: Findings reveal that identity negotiation among migrants is influenced by multiple factors, such as pre-migration personality, reasons for migration, host-country reception, and the strength of ethnic communities. A secure ethnic identity often facilitates adaptation rather than hindering it. Second-generation migrants experience distinct challenges in reconciling inherited cultural values with their national belonging, highlighting the intergenerational dynamics of identity formation. Conclusion: The study concludes that cultural identity in migration is a dynamic, ongoing process rather than a fixed state. Recognizing hybrid identities as legitimate and constructive can promote both social cohesion and psychological well-being. The paper calls for host societies to adopt integrationist, rather than assimilationist, policies to better support migrants’ identity development.