A Phenomenological Study of Exploring the Construction of Cultural Identity in Youth: Globalization and Local Traditions

Abstract

Cultural identity formation is a critical area of research in understanding how individuals navigate their cultural belonging in a globalized world. While much of the existing literature focuses on the role of globalization in shaping identity, there is limited exploration of how youth personally experience the negotiation between local and global cultural influences. This research aims to address this gap by investigating the subjective experiences of youth as they form their cultural identities in a globalized context. Using a phenomenological approach, this study explores how youth perceive and negotiate their cultural identities amidst the influences of both local traditions and global media. Key findings indicate that identity formation is a dynamic process of hybridization, where youth integrate elements from both local and global cultures, reconstructing their sense of self in response to external pressures The study highlights the role of media and education in facilitating this process. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of cultural identity formation and suggest that future research should further explore the long-term impacts of globalization on youth identity, particularly across diverse cultural contexts.