The Impact of Migration Acculturation Strategies on Self-continuity: A Case Study of Thai Skilled Workers in Japan

Abstract

Due to aging population problem, international migrant workers play increasingly significant roles in the Japanese labour market. While some studies explored existing social challenges during the acculturation process, the coping mechanisms and the sense of self-continuity among the migrants in Japan are largely understudied. This study intends to achieve three objectives through analysing narratives depicted by the life-line drawing method from 12 highly skilled Thai migrant workers. The first is to identify the dominant acculturation strategies that Thai workers apply in Japanese society. The second is to explore the dynamic of self-continuity among them. The third is to uncover the correlation between acculturation strategies and the sense of self-continuity. The analysis leads to three major findings. First, the integrative approach prevails as an acculturation strategy. Second, the sense of self-continuity among Thai participants is high and consistent, even though they have been pressured to behave according to Japanese norms and values. Finally, there is the positive correlation between integration as an acculturation approach and self-continuity. In contrast to previous studies which emphasize the role of social structure in the pattern of adaptation, this research sheds light on the ability of individuals to enable their own acculturation strategies regardless of existing social norms. The findings of this research hold implications for future identity research to take into consideration the cultural and anthropological perspectives. The bottom-up approach of this study is also expected to provide insight for policymakers to design and implement proper multicultural coexistence policies for migrant workers in Japan.