Global Nomads: How Military Kids Navigate the World as Third Culture Kids
A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a term that is used to describe someone who has spent a significant part of their developmental years outside of their own culture due to their parents’ work. Coined by American sociologist Ruth Useem in the 1950’s it was “conceived for expatriate children who spent their formative years overseas, growing up in one or multiple countries other than their own country of citizenship.”
In 2017, the definition was updated by Ruth Van Reeken and Michael Pollock.
The redefined definition is as follows: “a traditional third culture kid is a person who spends a significant part of his/her first eighteen years of life accompanying parent(s) into a country or countries that are different from at least one parents’ passport country(ies) due to a parent’s choice of work or advanced training.”
TCKs often form a third culture that incorporates elements of their own culture, the culture of the country or countries where they lived and a unique blend of influences and experiences. These experiences play a large role in perspective, acceptance and global understanding of complex issues such as social justice, marginalization in communities and people as well as a deep desire to advocate for global issues.
Often from a young age, TCKs are unofficial ambassadors to other nations, representing one country while living in another. Our military kids are not strangers to foreign nations, moving between countries and sometimes inside countries, they also are ambassadors on and off the military installation.
Our Military kids are Third Culture Kids. It's estimated that there are 230 million people who could call themselves TCKs. If they were to claim a place on the globe as their own and all move there, TCKs would become members of the 5th largest nation in the world. (Interactionintl.org)
Did you know?
The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) operates 160 schools in 8 Districts located in 11 foreign countries, 7 states and 2 territories across 10 time zones?
There are nearly 900,00 military connected children of all ages worldwide, of which more than 66,000 are enrolled in DoDEA schools. (Taken from the DoDEA website)
Fun Fact
A TCK is likely to be bilingual; 85% of them are. A TCK is likely to have made their first international move before the age of 5. TCKs on average live in 4 different cities. A final fun fact is that 44% of TCKs earn an advanced degree by the age of 22.
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There are many advantages to being a Third Culture Kid which shape individuals in unique and valuable ways. Below are a few examples.
Identity Formation and Community Building
Navigating multiple cultural environments shapes the identity formation process of our military kids. They often will develop a “hybrid identity” which fosters their abilities to build relationships with other cultures while not possessing a cultural identity of their own. You may also have heard them referred to as cultural hybrids, cultural chameleons and global nomads. By drawing from their various cultural influences, blending elements of their parents’ culture(s), host cultures and the subculture of the military, their fluid sense of identity will reflect their lived experiences.
Our children become adept at adjusting their behaviour and communication style depending on the cultural context. They easily connect with people from diverse backgrounds feeling at home in multicultural contexts and forming a sense of belonging quickly. They may experiment with different aspects of their identity, integrating elements from their various cultures into their sense of self.
Global Perspective and Global Network
Growing up in a military family often gives our children a global perspective. They may have lived in different countries or regions and interacted with people from diverse backgrounds, shaping a broader worldview with a more open-minded perspective towards different ways of life; this perspective inspires empathy, advocacy, and a sense of responsibility to contribute positively to the world around them.
This global perspective gives our military kids a curiosity about the world and desire to explore new places and cultures. This innate curiosity drives them to seek out authentic experiences while traveling, whether it is trying local cuisines, exploring historical sites, or engaging in the local communities.
Having lived in different countries, TCK’s often have a diverse network of friends and acquaintances around the world. This network can provide valuable insights and support when traveling to international or unfamiliar places, making the experience more enjoyable or smoother. Another benefit is the companionship these relationships have created providing more reasons to indulge in curiosities and seek authentic experiences.
Career Opportunities
The unique skills and experiences that Third Culture Kids possess make them highly sought after in various fields, including education, non-profit organizations, sustainability and international business. Their global perspectives, cultural diplomacy and diversity combined with their strong cross-cultural communication skills are assets in today's international and interconnected world.
The diversity and belonging our Third Culture kids exhibit is amazing- they exemplify the ideals of global citizenship, embracing the inter-connectedness of the world and recognizing their roles in contributing to a more equitable, sustainable world. Their cultural fluency fosters collaboration, empathy, and mutual respect in multicultural environments.
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7moThank you Brittany Jackson for the #repost