Yumiko wa gō ni ireba gō ni shitagae: A case study of Okinawan-Japanese Canadian bicultural identity integration, third culture, and affect valuation theory as a personal reflective essay

Abstract

This paper was originally written for Dr. Sally Xie’s Psychology 391 course, Social Cognition. The assignment asked students to write a case study of a cultural phenomenon or event using theories from social cognition research to align, challenge, or explain a personal narrative. The paper uses APA citation style.

This case study explores the social cognition theories of bicultural identity integration, third culture, and affect valuation. An overview of the history of Okinawa and the Ryukuan Islands briefly covers the cultural consequences of Japanese annexation, American occupation, and forced assimilation into modern-day Japanese culture. Following the personal narrative of the author’s mother, Yumiko, these theories are integrated to investigate her individual experience of emigrating to Canada from a collectivist culture with a complex history. Additionally, the influence of individualistic culture on her cultural identity and self-expression is explored. Further, theory critique and possibilities in future research are discussed.