Community-Based Resilience and Cultural Identity Among Indigenous Youths

Thesis Abstract

The resilience of indigenous communities in the face of social, economic, and cultural challenges remains a pressing concern for sociologists and anthropologists, particularly with regard to how cultural identity shapes adaptive capacities among indigenous youths. This study investigates the ways in which community-based resilience mechanisms reinforce and foster cultural identity among indigenous youths in the Ancestral Plains region, with the aim of elucidating the interplay between cultural continuity and resilience in contemporary socio-environmental contexts. The research specifically seeks to understand how indigenous youths perceive their cultural identity, the community strategies that underpin resilience, and the extent to which cultural practices contribute to psychological well-being and social cohesion. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative ethnographic interviews to generate comprehensive insights. The quantitative component involved a stratified random sample of 400 indigenous youths aged 15–29, selected through community registers and local youth organizations, with data collected via a structured questionnaire measuring resilience (using the Resilience Scale for Adolescents), cultural identity (using the Indigenous Identity Scale), and psychosocial well-being. The qualitative component comprised ten in-depth ethnographic interviews and focus group discussions with community leaders, elders, and youths, aiming to contextualize quantitative findings and explore cultural narratives. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and structural equation modeling to test hypothesized relationships between community resilience, cultural identity, and well-being, drawing on Social Identity Theory and Cultural Resilience Theory as conceptual frameworks. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data to identify recurring themes related to cultural practices, resilience strategies, and identity transformation. Expected findings suggest that strong community-based resilience mechanisms significantly enhance cultural identity among indigenous youths, which in turn positively correlates with their psychological resilience and social integration. The study anticipates demonstrating that participation in cultural rituals, narratives, and communal activities serves as a vital buffer against adverse socio-economic conditions and cultural dislocation. Moreover, the findings are expected to reveal a mediating role of cultural identity in fostering resilience, indicating that youths with a stronger sense of cultural belonging tend to exhibit higher levels of coping skills and social support. These results will contribute to the existing literature by providing nuanced, empirically validated models of indigenous resilience rooted in cultural practices, filling gaps in understanding how community-driven interventions can sustain cultural identity amidst modernization pressures. This research advances knowledge by offering a comprehensive framework linking community resilience, cultural identity, and psychosocial well-being among indigenous youths, bridging sociocultural theory with empirical evidence. Its methodological rigor and culturally sensitive approach ensure relevance for policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and community stakeholders interested in culturally grounded resilience promotion. The main conclusion underscores the critical role of community-based cultural practices in enhancing resilience and well-being among indigenous youths, advocating for policies that strengthen cultural education, youth participation in traditional rituals, and community-led empowerment initiatives. Recommendations include developing culturally tailored resilience programs, fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer, and promoting active youth engagement in cultural preservation efforts. Future studies are suggested to explore longitudinal impacts of resilience interventions and comparative analyses across different indigenous settings to generalize findings and inform international best practices for sustaining indigenous cultural identities amidst global change.