Acculturation Reimagined—Charting new directions in a pluralistic world

This special issue, Acculturation Reimagined, argues for a paradigm shift in acculturation science to address 21st-century globalization, digital connectivity, and shifting cultural landscapes. Moving beyond static models, the contributions challenge foundational tenets through rigorous methodological critiques and innovative theoretical frameworks. Key discussions include a re-examination of the integration hypothesis, where recent meta-analyses reveal that past findings may stem from flawed bivariate methods rather than true interaction effects. The issue also highlights the “integration paradox,” showing how discrimination can undermine the well-being of the most structurally integrated immigrants. Expanding the field’s scope, authors introduce concepts of digitally mediated acculturation and advocate for indigenizing research to honor Indigenous epistemologies. A significant focus is placed on temporal dynamics, distinguishing true developmental perspectives—such as acculturation tempo—from simple longitudinal measurement. Empirical work further illustrates the complexity of adaptation, revealing that emotional fit with a majority culture can paradoxically lead to disengagement in discriminatory contexts. Collectively, these papers chart a future for acculturation research that is multivariate, context-sensitive, temporally dynamic, and inclusive of diverse lived experiences.