Ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation: the roles of social distance and social support
Multinational states typically face dual challenges arising from ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation. Balancing these elements is crucial in social science research. While previous studies have highlighted the significant impact of ethnic identity on cultural adaptation, the underlying mech...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1588684/full |
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| author | Ri Hai Wei Zong Fang Luo Fang Luo Linlin Yang Xiaoming Bai Yinbu Suo |
| author_facet | Ri Hai Wei Zong Fang Luo Fang Luo Linlin Yang Xiaoming Bai Yinbu Suo |
| author_sort | Ri Hai |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Multinational states typically face dual challenges arising from ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation. Balancing these elements is crucial in social science research. While previous studies have highlighted the significant impact of ethnic identity on cultural adaptation, the underlying mechanisms remain underexplored. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 372 residents in the multi-ethnic border regions of Yunnan, China, during July and August 2024. Using the Ethnic Identity Scale, Social Distance Questionnaire, Social Support Scale, and Revised Sociocultural Adaptation Scale, we measured ethnic identity, social distance, social support, and folk-cultural adaptation, respectively. Our results revealed a positive association between ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation, partially mediated by social distance. Additionally, social support moderated both the direct relationship between social distance and folk-cultural adaptation and the indirect effect of ethnic identity on folk-cultural adaptation (via social distance). These findings deepen our understanding of how ethnic identity influences folk-cultural adaptation in multi-ethnic regions, underscoring its role in strengthening ethnic solidarity, promoting cultural diversity, and fostering social cohesion. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-35ff76a25f414ca7b64516a0ce33c93c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-35ff76a25f414ca7b64516a0ce33c93c2025-08-20T03:41:05ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-08-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15886841588684Ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation: the roles of social distance and social supportRi Hai0Wei Zong1Fang Luo2Fang Luo3Linlin Yang4Xiaoming Bai5Yinbu Suo6School of Ethnology and Sociology, Minzu University of China, Beijing, ChinaSouthwest Frontier Minority Research Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, ChinaSouthwest Frontier Minority Research Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, ChinaKunming Frontier Information Research Center, Kunming, ChinaSouthwest Frontier Minority Research Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, ChinaCollege of Humanities, Honghe University, Mengzi, ChinaInstitute of Chinese Northern Borderland Culture, Inner Mongolia Academy of Social Sciences, Hohhot, ChinaMultinational states typically face dual challenges arising from ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation. Balancing these elements is crucial in social science research. While previous studies have highlighted the significant impact of ethnic identity on cultural adaptation, the underlying mechanisms remain underexplored. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 372 residents in the multi-ethnic border regions of Yunnan, China, during July and August 2024. Using the Ethnic Identity Scale, Social Distance Questionnaire, Social Support Scale, and Revised Sociocultural Adaptation Scale, we measured ethnic identity, social distance, social support, and folk-cultural adaptation, respectively. Our results revealed a positive association between ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation, partially mediated by social distance. Additionally, social support moderated both the direct relationship between social distance and folk-cultural adaptation and the indirect effect of ethnic identity on folk-cultural adaptation (via social distance). These findings deepen our understanding of how ethnic identity influences folk-cultural adaptation in multi-ethnic regions, underscoring its role in strengthening ethnic solidarity, promoting cultural diversity, and fostering social cohesion.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1588684/fullethnic identitycultural adaptationfolk culturesocial distancesocial support |
| spellingShingle | Ri Hai Wei Zong Fang Luo Fang Luo Linlin Yang Xiaoming Bai Yinbu Suo Ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation: the roles of social distance and social support Frontiers in Psychology ethnic identity cultural adaptation folk culture social distance social support |
| title | Ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation: the roles of social distance and social support |
| title_full | Ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation: the roles of social distance and social support |
| title_fullStr | Ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation: the roles of social distance and social support |
| title_full_unstemmed | Ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation: the roles of social distance and social support |
| title_short | Ethnic identity and folk-cultural adaptation: the roles of social distance and social support |
| title_sort | ethnic identity and folk cultural adaptation the roles of social distance and social support |
| topic | ethnic identity cultural adaptation folk culture social distance social support |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1588684/full |
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