Exploring network derived indicators of acculturation among college enrolled Latinxs: Examining language use and homophily in support networks

• Published in: Journal of community psychology 2021-09, Vol.49 (7), p.2403-2423
• Main Authors: Archuleta, Adrian J., Dajani, Mona A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acculturation; Cultural change; enculturation; Generational differences; homophily; Language usage; latinxs; Social networks; Support networks
• ISSN: 0090-4392; 1520-6629
• DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22538

Acculturation measures focus on the perceived composition of a person's social networks as a characteristic of cultural change but have not focused on specific social relationships as sources of evaluation. The current study explores network‐derived indicators of acculturation and determines the viability of network acculturation as a related, but distinct, construct from enculturation. A first‐order ego network electronic survey design was used to gather social network and traditional survey data from a sample of college‐enrolled Latinxs using name generator and name interpreter questions. Findings indicate low but statistically significant correlations between network indicators of acculturation and enculturation as hypothesized. No group differences in network acculturation were observed between generational statuses despite demonstrated differences in psychological enculturation. The low but statistically significant relationships between enculturation and network acculturation suggest conceptually related but distinct indicators of acculturation. Latinx homophily was the strongest predictor of enculturation, revealing the importance of network characteristics.