Acculturation, Cultural Orientation, and Clothing Involvement of International Students in Korea

Abstract

This study took the conceptual framework of acculturation styles into the empirical investigation of international students in Korea. This research identifies the differences in acculturation styles, the characteristics of each segment, the effect of acculturation styles on clothing involvement (clothing involvement and risk probability), and the effect of cultural orientation values (individualism and collectivism) as covariates. The participants were international students attending a university located in Seoul. Data from 153 international students were used for statistical analysis. Respondents were grouped into four acculturation styles (integration, assimilation, separation, and marginalization). The assimilation group had the highest mean score of clothing interest. Cultural orientation values showed a significant covariate effect. With individualism as covariates, the main effect of acculturation styles on clothing interest was significant. In clothing product evaluation criteria,the integration group regarded design, fit and trend as most important. The marginalization group showed a mean score that was significantly lower in brand preference and satisfaction; however, the assimilation group had a mean score that was significantly higher.