Overall abstract: Intercultural relations remain one of the most pressing challenges of our time, shaping peace and social cohesion. The frameworks of diversity ideologies—such as multiculturalism, colourblindness, and polyculturalism—have guided research on intergroup attitudes, perceived threats, and identity in Asia and beyond. This symposium reexamines the underlying assumptions about culture and psychology that shape research in this broad research area by focusing on cultural models, diversity ideologies, and intercultural competence.
 

The symposium features three presentations followed by a discussion. Robert Zhang introduces the concept of global consciousness, which combines an awareness of cultural diversity with an awareness of global interconnectedness. He examines how individuals who balance multiculturalism, colourblindness, and polyculturalism exhibit greater intercultural openness, prosociality, and respect, positioning polyculturalism as a bridge between identity- based and universalist approaches to diversity. Emi Kashima critically examines two prevailing conceptualizations of culture: the categorical model, which emphasizes distinct cultural groups, and the network model, which emphasizes dynamic cultural interconnections. She explores how these models influence acculturation research and argues that the network model that aligns with polyculturalism may foster a more fluid understanding of cultural adaptation. Melody Chao introduces the Affective Learning Processes (ALPs) model, a novel framework for conceptualizing cultural competence that moves beyond traditional views tied to multiculturalism and the categorical model. ALPs suggests that individuals are motivated by two needs in managing intercultural relations: promotion-focused needs for growth and novel relationships, and prevention-focused needs for security and relational stability. This model provides an affective and motivational perspective on intercultural learning.

The discussion by Allan Bernardo will explore the implications of polyculturalism as an alternative paradigm for fostering more inclusive and adaptive intercultural relations in a globally interconnected world, and also for studying the cultural dimensions of psychological processes.

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Paper 1: Robert Jiqi Zhang, Nanjing Normal University, China

Rethinking Diversity Beliefs and Their Roles in Cosmopolitan Orientation

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Paper 2: Emiko Kashima, La Trobe University, Australia

Rethinking Acculturation Through the Categorical and Network Views of Culture

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Paper 3: Melody M. Chao, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong

Rethinking Cultural Competence: An Affective Learning Processes (ALPs) Model

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Discussion: Allan B. I. Bernardo, De La Salle University, Philippines

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