INTERCULTURALITY

In an era defined by unprecedented global mobility, the interplay between migration, cultural hybridity, and the reconfiguration of social boundaries presents a critical nexus for sociological inquiry. This comprehensive paper adopts a critical sociological perspective to interrogate how migratory processes destabilize fixed notions of culture and belonging, giving rise to complex hybrid identities while simultaneously prompting the redefinition-- -and often, the reinforcement---of social, ethnic, and national boundaries. Moving beyond linear assimilation models, the analysis foregrounds theoretical frameworks such as translocational positionality and intersectionality to examine the multifaceted experiences of migrants. The paper argues that cultural hybridity is not merely an outcome but a contested terrain where power relations, structural inequalities, and agentive identity negotiations are constantly at play. Through a systematic review of contemporary literature (2015-2025), this study explores the psychosocial dimensions of acculturation, the role of digital and social networks in shaping hybrid spaces, and the consequent challenges to monolithic national narratives. The findings suggest that while hybridity fosters transformative potential for more inclusive societies, it also incites boundary-maintenance reactions, from xenophobic politics to intra-community tensions over authentic belonging. The conclusion offers recommendations for policymakers and community practitioners, advocating for transnational approaches to citizenship and institutional practices that recognise the complexity of hybrid identities rather than forcing reductive categorisation. Ultimately, this paper contends that a critical sociological understanding of these dynamics is essential for navigating the social complexities of the 21st century.

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