Korean immigrants and their aesthetic perspectives on appearance

Abstract

In the United States, as the population of immigrants is constantly increasing, the adaptation of immigrants to the host society emerges as an important issue. Cultural differences between the culture of origin of immigrants and the host culture and dynamics of these two cultures shape their migratory process in the United States. The sense of belonging into the host culture as well as their culture of origin are simultaneous and often conflict with the formation of social identity. The needs for inclusion and differentiation in their dual or sometimes multiple cultural contexts make an impact on immigrants' attitudes and behaviors concerning appearance. Therefore, this study focuses on the influence of migratory experience and social identity of Korean immigrants both in their new culture and culture of origin towards their aesthetic perspectives on appearance. Conversations with thirty first generation Korean immigrant women show that immigrants negotiate and plan their strategic practices related to their appearance. This helps them balance the needs for inclusion and differentiation in dual cultural contexts. In this way they resolve the conflicts coming from different cultural values, ideals, thoughts, and standards of the host culture and heritage culture and relationships with peers in Korean society, other immigrants in Korean immigrant community, and mainstream Americans. These practices are shown in two appearance forms in choosing to wear the same ensemble for both contexts or two ensembles for each context.