Intercultural network theory: A cross-paradigmatic approach to acculturation

The field of intercultural relations has devoted considerable attention to the idea of separate research paradigms. The distinctions between perspecti ves such as qualitative-quantitative, subjective-objective, functional-inte rpretive, etc., dominate theoretical and methodological writings. These dis tinctions ave important for outlining the parameters of various research pr ograms, however, many interesting issues in the cultural adjustment process deny the dichotomization of experience and require an approach that addres ses a reality that is both reliable and present while at the same lime situ ated and emergent. Recently our focus in the field has been trained on how we might bridge those distinct paradigms with a plausible intercultural the ory. In the first portion of this article I outline three common research p aradigms employed in intercultural relations. The social network perspectiv e is then offered as a cross-paradigmatic research and theorizing approach. The conceptual history and relevant properties of social networks for inte rcultural research are described as part of the foundation for a theory of intercultural social networks that allows us to address the relational qual ity of intercultural interaction while acknowledging the stability of struc tural phenomena. I then propose seven assumptions and seven propositions co mprising the beginning of a dynamic theory of intercultural social networks . Based upon the propositions put forward, future research avenues are sugg ested, I conclude that a socio-structural approach to acculturation, and th e study of intercultural relations ill general, is uniquely suited to captu re and reconcile situated, emergent phenomena with reliable, present phenom ena and increase our understanding of inter-cultural relations. (C) 1999 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.