Mapping Social Markers on APA’s (2017) Multiculturalism Guidelines

Psychological research on acculturation has played an integral role in understanding how individuals may adapt into new societies. A recent approach to understanding acculturation is the social markers of acculturation framework (Leong, 2014). According to this framework, socio-political and cultural context play a role in the consideration of certain attributes being more important for newcomers. A social marker is defined as a socially constructed benchmark of naturalization. This framework offers a perspective that aligns with multiple guidelines as proposed by American Psychological Association (2017) Multiculturalism Guidelines. In recognition of the importance of diversity and multiculturalism, APA (2017) has offered new guidelines pertaining to researching multicultural topics, such as acculturation. The current presentation will consider in which ways the social markers of acculturation theoretical approach aligns with and does not align with the APA (2017) multicultural guidelines. Researchers will draw upon focus group (N=20) and survey data (N=264) collected in Guelph, Canada to discuss these alignments and areas for future consideration. The alignments include engaging in an intersectional approach to understanding newcomer positions, engaging with local language, and being aware of the social environment of participants. Following the APA (2017) guidelines, important considerations in the future when utilizing a social marker approach include recognizing ourselves (researchers) as cultural beings, understanding the historical context of research location, considering the age of newcomers, and incorporating an ecological framework. Recommendations for future acculturation research will be discussed.