Date
5-2025
Document Type
Capstone Project (Open Access)
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Department
Social, Behavioral & Global Studies
Major
Social and Behavior Sciences, concentration in Anthropology
First Advisor
Jennifer Lucido
Abstract
This capstone examines the subculture of Third Culture Kids and Adult Third Culture Kids who have experienced living abroad as children. There were two main objectives in this study. First, to understand the perceptions of Adult Third Culture Kids on how their global childhoods have impacted their self-identity and sense of belonging as adults. Secondly, to understand the opinions of Adult Third Culture Kids on transitional programs through their personal experiences with them. The methodology of this capstone included a twelve-question survey distributed to seventeen Adult Third Culture Kids born in six different countries around the world. The questions in the survey focused on two central research questions about self-identity, belonging, and opinions of transitional programs aiding in childhood development. A thematic analysis used Google Highlight to code responses into three themes supported by an accompanying literature review. The findings of this study showed that the perceptions of self-identity and sense of belonging in Adult Third Culture Kids aligned with published literature on the topic. Contrastingly, Adult Third Culture Kids in this study agreed that transitional programs would negatively affect the childhood development of future Third Culture Kids. Having not participated in them during childhood, most concluded that they preferred navigating their childhood without programmed help and would choose not to participate if given the opportunity.
Recommended Citation
Bucayu-Lee, Vallon, "Global Nomads: Identity and Belonging in Third Culture Kids and Adult Third Culture Kids" (2025). Capstone Projects and Master's Theses. 2058.
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/caps_thes_all/2058
Included in
Development Studies Commons, Global Studies Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons, Other International and Area Studies Commons, Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons, Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons
Comments
I identify as an Adult Third Culture Kid. If you want to chat, connect with what was discussed in this capstone, or want to conduct further research on this subculture, please contact me!