Identity Formation from a Bicultural Perspective

This process should not be underestimated, and psychologists like Erikson (1968) have emphasised the importance of forming a strong identity in our developing years. When we understand who we are and what we want to be, it becomes much easier to weather potential storms with confidence. Along with this self-acceptance comes inner peace, since we no longer hold unanswered questions and uncertainties about our identity. But, in order to successfully form a stable and mature sense of self, Erikson argued for committing to certain beliefs, values, and goals – this is no easy feat.

External factors, such as where and how we grow up, will also play their part in the identities we can realistically adopt. Imagine growing up in a foreign culture, one different to that of your family’s heritage. An environment like this leads you to see the world through two different lenses—your own ethnic background and that of the dominant culture around you. Suddenly, you’re faced with all these differing values and ways of life, which can make figuring out who you are even more confusing. Constantly shifting racial identities, coupled with insecurity about one’s multiracial background, adds another layer of uncertainty and can seriously impact mental well-being (Sanchez et al., 2009). It’s a struggle to feel grounded when your sense of self is in constant flux. 

Double consciousness, a concept introduced by W.E.B. Du Bois in 1903, describes the internal conflict experienced by African Americans due to their dual identity. It refers to the sense of always looking at oneself through the eyes of others, particularly those in the dominant (in this case white) society. According to Du Bois, this constant challenge to navigate a society that both included and excluded them, led to a perpetual questioning of their identity and self-worth. The existence of this phenomenon not only demonstrates the powerful influence of our environments in determining our sense of self, but also highlights the unique pressure experienced by bicultural individuals. Feeling torn between their cultural heritage and the dominant culture can leave them confused and questioning. These insecurities about identity can be particularly challenging for those who live in societies where their (different) cultural background is not widely understood or accepted. Being born bicultural will inherently prime not only the way in which you see yourself, but also the way in which you are treated by others.

Research has found that among young bicultural adults a weaker sense of self and lower self-esteem were driving factors for increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and lower life satisfaction (Rahim et al., 2021). Other characteristics such as an intolerance for ambiguity have been also found to exacerbate distress associated with fluctuating racial regard (Sanchez et al., 2009). Linking this back to Erikson, it seems there is something to be said about the benefits of a stable identity. Indeed, young individuals, who adopt what is known as the integration strategy of acculturation (Cohen, 2011) and embrace values and practices from both cultures, often experience greater mental well-being and life satisfaction (Berry & Hou, 2019).

So, if identifying with both cultures is so positive, why don’t we all cultivate this? Unfortunately, we do not live in an Arcadian world filled with unlimited understanding and openness. For instance, consider a bicultural adolescent who speaks their heritage language at home, but their dominant language at school. They may be seen as too traditional by their peers and too assimilated by their family, ultimately leading them to feel out of place in both settings. As humans, we prize our little boxes and labels as they make it easier for us to understand the things around and within us. Until they don’t. While offering a sense of order, overly relying on simplified categorisation can lead us down a dangerous path toward prejudice and discrimination. 

When patterns of behaviour consistently target a certain ethnicity, they point to structural discrimination. When a bicultural teen performs poorly in school, this can lead them to question their capabilities and damage their self-esteem. There are many reasons they may struggle in these settings, such as facing language barriers, stereotypes, and micro-aggressions like “Wow, your English is so good for someone from X!” or “You must be like this because you are from X.” If labelled and constantly reminded of their (different) cultural identity enough, our bicultural teen may start linking their (poor) performance in school to their (cultural) identity. This in turn can damage their self esteem and lead them to reject this part of themselves, causing even more tension at home. Therein lies the struggle for some to adopt the integration strategy. It is hard to celebrate a part of yourself if you view it as something negative to be ashamed about.

However, it’s important to note that not all bicultural individuals experience adversity in the same way. Some may still embrace their multicultural identity and find it to be a source of strength and resilience. Evidently, the impact of double consciousness on self-concept and self-esteem can vary depending on individual factors such as personality, family support, and differentiated cultural integration (e.g. ‘model minorities’). A recent study on Mexican-Americans found emerging adults deemed biculturalism as generally positive (McKenzie et al., 2023). Their Mexican heritage gave them a sense of rooted identity and facilitated both career and educational opportunities, for example through being bilingual. In contrast to what previously mentioned research suggests, many advantages revolved around the individual, while challenges were commonly relational (involving interactions with peers and family members). In this vein, Rahim et al. (2021) suggest interventions should focus on helping young adults develop skills to better understand themselves and build confidence (and Erikson would likely support this!). 

Evidently, there is no one-size-fits all solution and effective interventions should capture the complexity of biculturalism, including its external and structural influences (Mckenzie et al., 2021). Ultimately, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural nuances is crucial for creating inclusive spaces where adolescents can truly thrive. By restructuring our educational systems to address oppression (see critical pedagogy and Paulo Freire’s work), fostering curiosity, and celebrating cultural diversity, we not only combat discrimination but also empower bicultural teens to embrace their identities without shame. Identities that give them the unique ability to contribute to diverse environments—the benefits of such adaptability extend far beyond the classroom, shaping individuals who are well-equipped to bridge cultural divides and inspire positive change.