Travelling inner landscapes: a longitudinal study on transcultural identity development

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate insights into the identity construction and development of a selected single male individual in Cape Town, South Africa. It aims at increasing the in-depth understanding of the complexities of identity construction in a transcultural setting and provides emic perspectives on a micro-individual level over a period of ten years.

Design/methodology/approach

This research study is based on the post-modernist premise by considering phenomenological and interpretative paradigms most relevant. It is a longitudinal study, conducted with a single individual over a period of ten years by using various research methods as well as triangulation of methods, theories and data. Data were analysed through content analysis.

Findings

This research provides in-depth information on the struggle of a single person to construct and re-construct his identity and find answers to the question “Who am I?” in the multifaceted and hypercomplex transcultural environment of Cape Town. It shows the attempts to developing a coherent multiple identity over a period of ten years, reconstructing the past, creating the present and envisioning the future.

Practical implications

This research has practical implications for practitioners working with identity (development) in transcultural settings. It provides important in-depth information on “nomadic identities” for coaching, counselling or therapies in transcultural settings.

Originality/value

This paper provides new and original insights into long-term identity development of an individual in a transcultural urban space.

Citation

Mayer, C.-H. (2015), "Travelling inner landscapes: a longitudinal study on transcultural identity development", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 34 No. 4, pp. 272-292. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-08-2012-0072