Multigroup Structural Equation Model to Predict Social Markers of Acculturation Across Six Countries

Social markers of acculturation are the communal yardsticks used by recipient nationals in deciding if an immigrant qualifies as a full fledge participating citizen. In general, a greater emphasis on the collection of markers reflects an exclusion orientation, whilst the reverse indicates a more tolerant or inclusive view to immigration. The current study examines what are the antecedents of these markers across six countries with varying levels of transnational migration and inclusion, namely, Singapore, Japan, Finland, Canada, Germany and Australia. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis identifies four culture-general factors, or latent constructs of markers: economic, socio-cultural, linguistic, and social interaction markers. The antecedents of these factors can be delineated as either having a symbolic or realistic impact on host societies. Not surprisingly, a multigroup Structural Equation Model found that socio-cultural and linguistic markers are significantly influenced by perceptions of symbolic threats, whilst economic markers are predicated by perceptions of realistic threats. The implications of the findings on migration policy and intercultural relations will be discussed.