Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Spring 2024

Date of Submission

2024-09-14

Advisor

Aliya Iqbal Naqvi, Faculty Member, Department of Social Sciences

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Restricted Access

Keywords

third culture kid, identity, gen Z, culture, home, autoethnography

Abstract

This research explores a range of experiences of Pakistani-origin Third Culture Kids (TCKs) who have lived in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. With much of the existing research on Third Culture Kids focusing on Western contexts, this study aims to shed light on the experiences of Third Culture Kids from South Asia, especially Pakistan, living in the unique socio-cultural environment of the GCC.

Using a qualitative approach involving in-depth interviews, this research examines how varying levels of exposure to Pakistani culture, family involvement, and age influence the identity formation of Pakistani-origin Third Culture Kids. The findings reveal that that Pakistani-origin TCKs in the GCC face significant challenges in balancing their dual cultural identities during their adolescence, often experiencing feelings of cultural isolation and dissonance from both cultures. However, they eventually develop resilience through cultural hybridity around young adulthood, creating unique identities that allow them to navigate their multicultural environments. The study found the importance of the role of family support and its ability to help Third Culture Kids foster a positive relationship with their cultural identity and sense of self.

Pages

54

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