From Deep to Surface Culture. Struggle for Meaning and Migration

Abstract

What migrants suppose is common sense is shaped by cultural logic subjacent in cultural behaviours learned, practiced and changed in everyday life. In the new society their culture is ignored but cultural elements are represented as exotic. As Mexican migrant in Australia I analyse representations of mexicanness to show how cultural meanings are transformed and distorted. Out of the relationship between “surface culture†and “deep culture†I explain how migrant cultures are alienated ignoring the underlying culture that influences the negotiations of cultural values.