Sociology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Sociology - Essay Example In this first article researchers examined the mental health of Arab Americans. They wanted to determine if their mental health was in any way influenced by how they fit in in their larger communities. They wanted to know if their general social environment and their lives as a minority altered their perceptions of the world. In this article, the researchers define acculturation as â€Å"the process of change on both the individual and group level that results from contact between a minority and a dominant culture, leading members of the minority culture to adjust their original cultural beliefs, values, and behaviors† (81). This definition is a useful starting point. A certain amount of stress accompanies any group that may not have as many opportunities or access to employment than a more dominant social group. For ethnic groups that are new to a country or community, or that share space with a larger group, this can be especially acute. However, the authors of this article did not find that acculturation had a determinant role in the mental health of Arab Americans. It could increase their stress levels but many other factors were involved in their mental health. Ghaddar S, et al. â€Å"Acculturation and healthy lifestyle habits among Hispanics in United States-Mexico border communities.† Rev Panam Salud Publica. 28 (2010):190–7. Many aspects of the lives of ethnic groups can be altered through acculturation.