Cultural Identity in Bicultural Young Adults in Ireland: A Social Representation Theory Approach

This research investigates the nature by which first- and second-generation Irish young adults of (1) African descent, (2) Asian (3) Eastern European descent explore their cultural identity(ies) through communicating interpreting social representations relating to ethnic national cultures. Using Social Representation Theory (SRT) and, more widely, Proculturation as theoretical underpinning, we examine how grown children migrants construct exploring external representations. We conducted three separate in-depth focus groups for each continental group in virtual rooms on Zoom, lasting between 60 90 mins. A thematic analysis was pursued understand participants discussed representation both media-driven situations. The results indicated overarching themes Anchoring Irishness Latent Media Representation, whereby communicated dialogically explored subjective interpretations which, turn, may have informed identity(ies). Highlighting dynamic reality Ireland it impacts generations after initial migration period, this highlights exemplifies importance that serve multiple identities migrants.