Integrative Communication Theory

Integrative communication theory is a theory of cross-cultural adaptation proposed by Young Yun Kim. Actually it is a reiteration of the 1950s work of Milton Gordon titled Assimilation in American Life (1954) and Robert (William) Park titled Race and Culture (1964). But their work was much more sophisticated than Kim's as they dealt with ethnic communication and relations including religious values which Kim completely ignores. The first widely published version of Kim's theory is found in the last three chapters of a textbook authored by William Gudykunst with Young Yun Kim as second author. See acculturation and assimilation.

Kim's work is a rehash of 1940s era model minority ideology. Park and Gordon are two of the major scholars in the field; two out of literally thousands who pioneered the scholarly study of immigrant and migrant assimilation, integration, and identity in psychology, sociology, and social psychological terms. Unlike Young Yun Kim, these writers from half a century ago maintain a high level of conceptual rigor recognizing that integration and assimilation are two very different strategies for migrants to pursue as they seek to become active participants in their adopted societies. Unlike Kim's (2003) equation of assimilation with adaptation and integration, decades earlier Park, Gordon and others more recently such as Berry recognize that adaptation, assimilation, and integration are mutually exclusive processes for once assimilation is complete, integration can no longer function. Integration presumes the continued existence of difference so that communication is possible. Pure assimilation spells the end of communication. An excellent, clear, and concise taxonomy of these two paths of the immigrant's journey can be found in John Berry's 1997 article "Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation." Applied Psychology: An International Review, Vol. 46, No. 1, 5-34. He takes into account host society receptivity in a 4X4 matrix. It is highly suggested that the student of sojourner experiences begin with these classic works.