Forms of blended bicultural identity: Identity conflict and harmony in culturally diverse Mauritius.

This study used a person-centered approach to distinguish groups of bicultural (national and ethno-cultural) individuals in culturally diverse Mauritius. We focused on experiences of harmony
or conflict among blended bicultural individuals and used representative data from the three numerically largest ethno-cultural groups (Hindus, Creoles, and Muslims; Ntotal = 1768). Cluster analyses indicated three groups of individuals with different identity profiles: conflicted blends (50%), harmonious blends (41%), and low blends (9%). Conflicted compared to harmonious blends were more concerned about keeping their ethnic group distinct and about the societal recognition of cultural diversity. Additionally, higher social distance toward outgroups was found among conflicted blends compared to harmonious blends. The findings for the three identity profiles are discussed in relation to existing theories on bicultural identity, Mauritius’ approach to ethno-cultural diversity, and the country’s three main ethno-cultural groups.