Third Culture Kids essays

Third Culture Kids essays The 21st century will be remembered as the era of globalization. American men and women are traveling to and living in countries throughout the world, as their businesses move them from one office to another across the globe. In many cases, these businesspeople are married and are joined by their children of varying ages. According to the book The Third Culture Kid Experience by David Pollock and Ruth Van Reken, the experiences of youths who spend a significant part of their childhood living overseas are both beneficial and challenging. The authors spoke with a number of Third Culture Kid (TCK) parents about the time spent in other countries. For others who plan on going abroad or have already left, the book brings new insights and gives support knowing that one's family is not alone. It would also pay for companies to give a copy to each of its employees heading off to distant lands. For those who live in the United States, the book provides another way of looking at the impact of an increasingly global world. The authors offer this definition of the global child: A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents' culture. The TCK builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements of each culture are assimilated into the TCK's life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others The primary similarity between all TCKs is mobilityall Third Country Kids undergo significant change and complexity in their early years. What kind of impact will this living arrangement have on these youths in the long run' All child behaviorists recognize that boys and girls need stability and structure in the first decade of their lives. ...