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Conceptions of acculturation: A review and statement of critical issues

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  • Lopez-Class, Maria
  • Castro, Felipe González
  • Ramirez, Amelie G.

Abstract

This article reviews evidence for re-conceptualizing acculturation status and acculturation process in health care research with United States (U.S.) Latino populations. Prior literature on acculturation has focused on: (a) acculturative change towards the dominant culture, (b) acculturation as it occurs with Mexican Americans, and (c) language as the principal component of acculturation. We review empirically based health research on acculturation and propose an ecodevelopmental framework for better understanding the process of acculturation. We then offer recommendations that may assist public health researchers, policymakers and program developers in better understanding "real world" acculturation. This includes understanding acculturation within this ecodevelopmental context for a more complete understanding of the acculturation process and its influences on health-related behaviors, with aims of reducing or eliminating health disparities in Latino populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Lopez-Class, Maria & Castro, Felipe González & Ramirez, Amelie G., 2011. "Conceptions of acculturation: A review and statement of critical issues," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(9), pages 1555-1562, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:72:y:2011:i:9:p:1555-1562
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    11. Jiang Li & Annette E. Maxwell & Beth A. Glenn & Alison K. Herrmann & L Cindy Chang & Catherine M. Crespi & Roshan Bastani, 2016. "Healthcare Access and Utilization among Korean Americans: The Mediating Role of English Use and Proficiency," International Journal of Social Science Research, Macrothink Institute, vol. 4(1), pages 83-97, March.
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    14. Bridget K. Gorman & Cynthia Novoa & Rachel Tolbert Kimbro, 2016. "Migration Decisions, Acculturation, and Overweight among Asian and Latino Immigrant Adults in the United States," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(3), pages 728-757, September.
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