The following summary reviews four significant articles that are dedicated to the theme of third-culture kids. Bonebright provides an article can be viewed as a significant insight into the topic. The author exhaustively explores this phenomenon appealing to the related reliable literature on the mentioned individuals. It is claimed that third-culture kids are able to present both issues and opportunities for human resource development (HRD) specialists. The primary focus of the article is how the best HRD practices can be applied among TCKs.
The publication by Pang and Hutchinson is a research proposal that aims to define a particular framework and methods within which the following study can be conducted. The issue is related to the phenomenon of third-culture kids and their cultural peculiarities. The authors are going to apply the communication theory of identity in order to explore the theme to a significant extent. This proposal provides the literature review and methodology, as well as shows the gaps that are to be addressed within the scope of the research.
Moore and Barker examine the phenomenon of cultural identity among third-culture individuals. Their study utilizes a qualitative approach and using advanced interviews with nineteen people from six different states who have varied intercultural competencies. These interviews were used in order to reveal their perception of a number of essential cultural aspects. The findings demonstrate that the mentioned individuals are more prone to have diversified cultural identities than confused cultural identities.
In their publication, Melles and Frey aim to explore whether specific intercultural competencies can be considered as significant predictors of religious attitudes within the scope of Third Culture Kids who spend their years of development abroad. Moreover, the authors examine whether the process of growing up as missionary kids may define religious attitudes. According to the findings of the study, the increase of intercultural competencies can be viewed as a good approach to promote religious acceptance.
The summarized articles show that the topic of third-culture kids is relevant. There are many perspectives from which this phenomenon can be explored. These publications can serve as a great foundation for obtaining an in-depth understanding of the related issues.
References
D. A. Bonebright, “Adult third culture kids: HRD challenges and opportunities,” Human Resource Development International, vol. 13, issue 3, pp. 351–359, 2010.
K. Pang, C. Hutchinson. (2018). “An application of the communication theory of identity: Third culture kids,” Pepperdine Journal of Communication Research, vol. 6, pp. 20–27.
A. M. Moore, G. G. Barker, “Confused or multicultural: Third culture individuals’ cultural identity,” International Journal of Intercultural Relations, vol. 36, pp. 553–562, 2011.
E. A. Melles, L. L. Frey, “Promoting religious acceptance: the relationship between intercultural competence and religious attitudes among Third Culture Kids,” Mental Health, Religion & Culture, vol. 20, issue 8, pp. 812–826, 2018.