Fractured Identity in Multicultural Spaces: A Study of Contemporary Cultural Tensions

Abstract

In a multicultural society that continues to grow, cultural identity no longer exists as a static inheritance, but as a social construct that is constantly negotiated. This research aims to understand how individuals respond to identity tensions in plural social spaces, as well as how identity representations are exercised, maintained, or negotiated through symbolic strategies and everyday practices. Using an interpretive qualitative approach and a mini-ethnographic design, data were collected through in-depth interviews and participatory observations of 15 informants from diverse ethnic backgrounds in the city of Makassar. The results of the study show that individuals face various forms of cultural tension, both in the form of stereotypes, assimilation demands, and multiple identity dilemmas. However, they also respond actively through symbolic representation, subtle resistance, and the creation of a more reflective hybrid identity. This process shows that identity is not just a cultural label, but the result of symbolic interactions, power relations, and complex social dynamics. This research contributes to a new understanding of the importance of seeing identity as a contextual, performative, and political process. The results have implications for the development of more inclusive and equitable social policies in responding to cultural diversity.