In simple terms, transculturation describes the phenomenon of merging and converging cultures. In societies of the early twenty-first century, transculturation is amplified by communication and transportation technology. Global media conglomerates, the Internet, and air travel are bringing cultures together at an accelerating pace. This reality is especially apparent among young people, who routinely negotiate their position with peers from other cultural and socio-economic contexts.


In Negotiating Transcultural Lives Dirk Hoeder, Yvonne Hébert, and Irina Schmitt bring together an international group of scholars to reflect on transculturation in the daily lives of youth. The contributors analyze the life experiences of young people in several societies with emphasis on Europe and Canada. Adopting a comparative perspective, the authors argue that in order to understand the issue of cultural belonging in young people today, it is necessary to examine the broader social and historical context while avoiding mono-cultural assumptions. Ultimately, the goal of the collection is to encourage teachers, social workers, journalists, and the media to recognize and appreciate the diverse cultural perspectives and contributions of contemporary youth.