Self-Construction in a Transcultural Context: Young Chinese Immigrants Constructing Selves in the UK

This book explores how individuals construct and integrate self-positions in a transcultural context, using a pluralist theoretical and methodological approach that includes Western post-modern viewpoints and ancient Chinese philosophical ideas. It starts with stories of two second-generation Chinese young people and their mothers' life experiences in the UK and analyzes the overt and recessive interactions between the individual and the outside environment. It also uses Confucian philosophy to show how Chinese people think about the relation between other people and themselves and integrates different and opposing theories and viewpoints from Taoist philosophy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 179 pages
Publication date: 17 July 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This captivating book delves into the intricate ways in which individuals construct and integrate self-positions within a transcultural context, employing a pluralist theoretical and methodological approach that encompasses both Western post-modern viewpoints and ancient Chinese philosophical ideas. The narrative begins with captivating stories of two second-generation Chinese young people and their mothers' life experiences in the United Kingdom, serving as a poignant epitome of individuals navigating the modern and intricate environment of the time. Employing social constructionist lenses, the book subsequently analyzes the overt interplay between the individual and the external environment, while also delving into the subtler, often unconscious interactions, such as the individual's psychological response to the external environment, which may remain unknown to themselves. This analysis is conducted through the lens of psychodynamic approaches, drawing upon object relations theory and other psychoanalytic concepts, including defense mechanisms.

To further enrich the exploration, the book incorporates the wisdom of Confucian philosophy, shedding light on how Chinese individuals perceive the relationship between themselves and others. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates diverse and even opposing theories and viewpoints from Taoist philosophy, creating a rich tapestry of insights. This innovative book offers a theoretical and practical framework for examining the concept of "self" and the processes through which individuals shape their self-positions within a multifaceted context. By seamlessly blending cutting-edge Western psycho-social perspectives with ancient Chinese philosophy, it captivates readers with an interest in "self," psycho-social approaches, psychoanalytic viewpoints, and Chinese philosophy.

Weight: 459g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811936708
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022