Confronting the "Ugly American" Stereotype: A Study of the Acculturation of Peace Corps Volunteers

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dc.contributor.authorCotrupi, Catherineen
dc.contributor.committeechairWimberley, Dale W.en
dc.contributor.committeememberKim, Minjeongen
dc.contributor.committeememberHarrison, Anthony Kwameen
dc.contributor.departmentSociologyen
dc.date.accessioned2017-04-04T19:49:15Zen
dc.date.adate2011-06-06en
dc.date.available2017-04-04T19:49:15Zen
dc.date.issued2011-05-02en
dc.date.rdate2016-09-27en
dc.date.sdate2011-05-23en
dc.description.abstractIn 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.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Scienceen
dc.identifier.otheretd-05232011-191348en
dc.identifier.sourceurlhttp://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-05232011-191348/en
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10919/76788en
dc.language.isoen_USen
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subjectAcculturationen
dc.subjectPeace Corpsen
dc.subjectUgly American Stereotypeen
dc.subjectIdentityen
dc.titleConfronting the "Ugly American" Stereotype: A Study of the Acculturation of Peace Corps Volunteersen
dc.typeThesisen
dc.type.dcmitypeTexten
thesis.degree.disciplineSociologyen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen

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