Confronting the ―Ugly American‖ Stereotype: A Study of the Acculturation of Peace Corps Volunteers Catherine Lynn Cotrupi Thesis submitted to the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science In Sociology Dale W. Wimberley, Chair Anthony Kwame Harrison Minjeong Kim May 2, 2011 Blacksburg, VA Keywords: Identity, Acculturation, Peace Corps, Ugly American Stereotype Confronting the ―Ugly American‖ Stereotype: A Study of the Acculturation of Peace Corps Volunteers Catherine Cotrupi ABSTRACT In this study I examine the processes of assimilation and acculturation of Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) abroad and their potential confrontations with the ―Ugly American‖ stereotype. PCVs consciously and unconsciously decide how to fit in overseas based on their identity and personal methods self presentation. If met with adversity based on being subjected to the Ugly American stereotype, they resist urges to either fight to defend one‘s identity or shed the associated idiosyncrasies and blend in to the foreign culture. PCVs must maintain a sense of self and purpose while on their assignment. By interviewing a small sample of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) I gain insight into the potential hardships encountered during their first few months in the service. I also use literature from both critical and instructional sources on the topics to supplement my inquiry. These critique and demonstrate the various methods RPCVs use to acclimate and find a reasonable balance for themselves in their positions. The goals of this paper are to increase awareness and understanding of the difficulties and hardships faced by those who joined the Peace Corps with the aim of spreading knowledge abroad, not only in their areas of specialization, but about Americans in general. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Problem Statement and Introduction ........................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2: Literature Review ........................................................................................................................ 7 2.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 7 2.2 "Being" American ............................................................................................................................... 7 National Identity and the Ranges of Nationalism ................................................................................. 8 2.3 Stereotypes ........................................................................................................................................ 12 The ―Ugly American‖ ......................................................................................................................... 13 2.4 Identity work ..................................................................................................................................... 16 Coping with this Stereotype ................................................................................................................ 16 Acculturation ....................................................................................................................................... 18 Expatriation ......................................................................................................................................... 21 Global Citizens .................................................................................................................................... 22 US Nationals Abroad .......................................................................................................................... 22 2.5 The Peace Corps ............................................................................................................................... 23 Background ......................................................................................................................................... 23 Peace Corps Program Changes, 1960-1990 ........................................................................................ 24 Application and Placement Process .................................................................................................... 25 Acceptance into the Peace Corps ........................................................................................................ 26 Peace Corps Training: Pre-Departure and In-Country ........................................................................ 27 History of PC Cultural Training .......................................................................................................... 30 Culture Shock ...................................................................................................................................... 31 Acculturation ....................................................................................................................................... 33 Psychological Acculturation ............................................................................................................... 35 Psychological vs. Sociocultural Adaptation ........................................................................................ 36 Peace Corps Training Outcomes ......................................................................................................... 39 Language Acquisition ......................................................................................................................... 44 Host-Volunteer Cooperation ............................................................................................................... 45 Avoiding the Ugly American Stereotype ............................................................................................ 45 Ending Peace Corps Service Early ...................................................................................................... 46 Common Experiences of International Travelers ............................................................................... 48 iii 2.6 Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................................................... 49 Symbolic Interactionism and Attribution Theory ............................................................................... 49 Group Mechanics ................................................................................................................................ 51 Impression Management ..................................................................................................................... 52 Assimilation and Identity Work While Abroad .................................................................................. 53 Self-Reflexivity ................................................................................................................................... 54 Crisis Theory ....................................................................................................................................... 54 Going Native ....................................................................................................................................... 55 2.7 Significance of My Research ............................................................................................................ 56 Use to the Peace Corps........................................................................................................................ 57 Use to the Social Sciences .................................................................................................................. 57 Use to Other Disciplines and Professions ........................................................................................... 58 Chapter 3: Methods ..................................................................................................................................... 60 3.1 Domain Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 61 Themes Anticipated ............................................................................................................................ 61 3.2 Overview of My Participants ............................................................................................................ 62 3.3 Cause and Effect: Factors Shaping PCVs‘ Actions .......................................................................... 63 3.4 Interviews .......................................................................................................................................... 64 3.5 Methods for Data Analysis ............................................................................................................... 66 Narrative ............................................................................................................................................. 66 Illustrative ........................................................................................................................................... 66 Coding Methods .................................................................................................................................. 67 3.6 Potential Problems ............................................................................................................................ 67 3.7