Mahsa Hashemi

The present study is an investigation of an aspect of Mohsen Hamid's novel, the reluctant fundamentalist which has not been treated by critics yet, namely, the relationship between the novel’s protagonist’s identity and acculturation strategies using the following theories and concepts: John W. Berry’s acculturation strategies, Henri Tajfel’s social identity theory, and Jean Phinney’s ethnic identity development model. In this research, I will try to answer the following key question: How does the protagonist of the novel construct his unique sense of self in his host country? What is the relationship between the acculturation strategies and the identity of the protagonist of The Reluctant Fundamentalist? How does the protagonist of The Reluctant Fundamentalist deal with his social/ethnic identity issues while adopting certain acculturation strategies? The purpose of this research is to find out the acculturation strategies taken by the protagonist of The Reluctant Fundamentalist and the ways in which these strategies affect or are affected by his social/ethnic identities. This thesis is a library research project. Through analysis, I found that Changez's acculturation strategies are deeply influenced by the interplay between his cultural background, social identity, and ethnic identity. Initially, he embraces assimilation, but as he becomes more aware of the potential loss of his cultural heritage and identity and faces challenges and experiences moments of discrimination and cultural alienation, his acculturation strategies begin to shift. Ultimately, he moves towards separation, seeking to maintain his Pakistani identity.