FCCS

CHINESE AMERICAN FAMILIES Chapter 6

OVERVIEW

Although they suffered multiple forms of discrimination Asian Americans are doing well in U.S.

Median Income and Education higher than an other group

Levels of poverty is slightly higher than Whites and significantly lower than any other ethnic minority group

High percentages of family households

High rates of married couples

Low single-parent household rates

Divorce increase among younger generation

OVERVIEW

Majority of Asian Americans are foreign born

Only a small percentage are descendants of people who experienced discrimination in U.S.

Many come to U.S. with high levels of education and money

Today Asian Americans are the second-fastest growing racial group.

Differences: ­ In China 5% have college education; 48% of Chinese

Americans have college degree ­ 1 child law – began in late 70’s; ended in 2016

BIRTH TOURISM

Birth tourism is the practice of traveling to another country for the purpose of giving birth in that country. The main reason for birth tourism is to obtain citizenship for the child in a country with birthright citizenship

DISCRIMINATION

The Chinese were the first group of Asians in the U.S. and faced relentless discrimination.

When Chinese first arrived on the West Coast they were able to secure work in a variety of occupations

After Gold Rush, influx of European Settlers ­ Limited Chinese and other racial minorities to low-status labor

1850 – California passed the Foreign Miner’s Tax ­ required Chinese to pay higher taxes ­ Chinese businesses and products were boycotted

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL

BACKGROUND

The Chinese in the U.S. today are a diverse group of people whose ancestors originated in various parts of China.

Two major groups are Cantonese speaking (primarily low socioeconomic status in China) or Mandarin speaking (primarily immigrants who came to the U.S. for economic reasons before WWII-more recent immigrants and tend be middle class)

19th century – Chinese immigration began; the Chinese government supported the values of the traditional family system ­ Ideologies of the family system and the state were mutually

supportive both being based on Confucianism (a way of life) – that held a sacred system of hierarchies based on generation, age, and gender.

­ Filial Piety – ancestors and elders are viewed with great reverence and respect. ­ Members of the older generation are regarded as deserving a

higher status than individuals in the younger generation.

Generation and age hierarchies were demonstrated in several aspects of the functioning of traditional Chinese families.

Property ownership – parents retain legal rights to family property

Members of younger generations usually depended on the father or other close kinsmen for their occupations.

Education – wisdom of elders valued and is major source of knowledge

Ancestor worship was the central family religious practice

Extended family is central to the social organization of the Chinese village

Gender hierarchy is evidenced by the power vested in the male family head.

Strict division of labor exist

Husband assumed the role of breadwinner

Wife provides emotional support and physical care of the children

Gender and age hierarchy impacts system of inheritance

Family property is divided up among sons either before or upon death of the father

The eldest son is assigned the responsibility of taking care of parents and could expect to receive a larger share than his brothers.

1949 – Communist victory brought about changes in marriage, mate selection, and gender roles

Traditional China – marriage was the building block for the basic institution of society – the family.

Younger men and women were not usually consulted about whom they would marry

Marriage Law of 1950 – designed to intervene at the basic level in the intimate affair of family – equality among both partners in the marriage; banned polygyny, child betrothal, bride prices and dowries and the coercion of either party to the union

The first Asian immigrants (the Chinese) to arrive in America were attracted by gold & other minerals and by jobs that became available as the American West developed.

First significant wave of Chinese immigrants arrived in the 1840s and 1850s ­ China involved in two wars – over 25 million

deaths ­ Also a number of natural disasters (draughts

and plagues)

Discovery of Gold in U.S. (1848) pulled Chinese to West Coast

19th century – most Americans had a negative impression of Chinese immigrants (starving beggars and Opium addicts).

Targets of racial discrimination, violent outbreaks in the 1880’s all over the west; Americans feared losing jobs to immigrants.

1850 – California passed law that prohibited Chinese Americans from marrying European Americans; 15 other states also passed laws prohibiting interracial marriage. ­ Cable Act – American women who married a person ineligible for citizenship would forfeit her own.

1882 Exclusion Act and subsequent extensions restricted Chinese immigration and completely prohibited it by passing the 1924 immigration act. ­ Special taxes levied against Chinese immigrants ­ Discrimination in housing and employment ­ Forced into Chinatown “ghettos” ­ Prohibited entry of Chinese laborers or their relatives ­ Chinese officials, students, tourists, and merchants were exempt ­ 1888- Scott Act barred laborers from reentering if they left ­ 1925- Quota system based on nationality; stayed in place until 1965

Most early Chinese immigrants were men because Chinese familial tradition (patriarchal, patrilocal, etc.) prevented wives from accompanying their husbands. ­ In China, marriages were arranged with little or no input from the marriage partners

­ Typically first met when bride was arriving at the groom’s home.

Split-household families – husband and wife are residing in two different countries because of the limitations the U.S. put on Chinese immigrants ­ Husband often didn’t leave for U.S. until wife was pregnant

­ Occasional trips back to China with intention of having additional children

­ Once father retired he would return to China and eldest son replaced him.

RECENT DECADES

Chinese have come to the U.S. to seek better standard of living and a higher level of education for their children.

Majority emigrated from Taiwan, Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China, and Vietnam.

Because some Chinese families have been in the United States for five or six generations and other have arrived recently, there is great diversity in the Chinese community. ­ Experiences of Chinese people in the United States vary considerably depending on the dates of their

entrance into the country.

HOUSEHOLD SIZE AND COMPOSITION

Difficult to describe the size and composition of Chinese households in the U.S. from 1850-1920 because the majority of immigrants were men who did were either never married or married but their spouses and children were in China

1900 - Sex Ratio was 18:1; 3.4% of the population consisted of children

Many immigrant men planned to return to China after accumulating enough money to acquire land and retire; in the meantime they sent money back home to support family

About 2/3 of the men returned to China

1910’s – families in urban Chinatowns began to grow despite obstacles in their formation

1900-1930 – population of children rose to 20.4%; most families were formed based on earning from small businesses and accumulating sufficient capital

1930’s – 50’s – Continued increase in Chinese families due to the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act and the creation of the Brides’ Act of 1946 and the Immigration Act of 1953

Today – about 87% of Chinese American families consist of married couple with children under age 18

Fertility is lower for Chinese American women than those that are foreign born

SOCIALIZATION OF CHILDREN

Parent-child relationships characterized as formal.

Behaviors that bring honor to family: ­ Achievement ­ Obedience ­ Obligation to parents ­ Activities that give the family a good name ­ Problem behaviors such as aggression, antisocial behavior, and disobedience brought shame to the

entire family and were strictly discouraged.

­ These values continue to be transmitted through socialization of Chinese children today. Most families are dual income earners.

EDUCATION

Asian American educational achievement often explained solely by cultural values, such as spiritual beliefs, obedience, and respect for education.

Asian parents supplement children’s schooling with: ­ Attendance at Chinese language schools ­ Math tutors ­ Other academic activities

­ Pressure to succeed is enormous

­ More Chinese American women are earning college degrees.

RELATIONSHIPS

In traditional China, partners were not consulted about whom and when they would marry.

Parent chose brides for their sons who first met the needs of the family and second met the needs of the son. This practice was accepted as part of the filial duty.

Contemporary Chinese Americans still face parental pressure but most choose their own partner based on love and compatibility.

Marriage is often homogamous but more Asian Americans are marrying outside of their race/ethnicity (out- marriage)

Affection (kissing, holding hands, hugs) generally not displayed openly.

WORK RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILY

Historically, the division of work and family roles has been shaped by structural and cultural forces. Example: Split family, entrepreneurs, etc.)

Contemporary Chinese Wives have high rates of labor-force participation.

Many Chinese American women occupy executive, administrative, and managerial positions ­ Gender wage gap remains ­ Women still responsible for caring for the children

Average income is higher than that of European, African, Latino, and Native Americans

LIFE CYCLE TRANSITIONS Low Divorce rate among Chinese American population ­ Reflects lack of choices of women rather

than marital quality ­ Traditions ­ Divorce rate generally under 5% ­ Lower than all other racial/ethnic groups ­ Little information on single parenthood but

the vast majority of Chinese American children live with both parents (rates highest amongst racial groups.

FAMILY STRENGTHS AND CHALLENGES

Strengths

Cultural continuity, despite early immigrant adversities

The absorption of extended family members.

Financial contribution from women

Challenges

Hostility and discrimination faced in previous generations.

Racism and discrimination by peers and others.

Workplace – feel they have to work harder than others to attain same recognition

MISCONCEPTIONS & STEREOTYPES

Model minority myth – belief that Asian Americans have high levels of educational attainment, low crime rates, and an absence of juvenile delinquency and mental health problems. ­ Stress ­ Dropouts

Glass ceiling effect – the illusion that once can reach the top but in reality an invisible ceiling prevents it.

Family relationships are still influenced by Confusian principles.

Chapter 7 Japanese American Families

Overview

• Asian Nation • http://www.asian-nation.org/ • Multiple ethnicities and nationalities fall

under Asian.

• West Asian countries usually classified as Middle Eastern. • Cultural similarities • Arabic language • Practice of Islam

• East Asians have the largest population and longest history in the U.S. • Chinese largest Asian ethnic group in U.S.

followed by Filipinos, Asian Indians, Vietnamese, and Koreans.

• Historically, until 1980 Chinese and Japanese were two largest Asian groups in U.S. • After WWII Japan’s economy grew in strength • Fewer Japanese immigrated to U.S

• Changes in U.S. immigration laws in 1965 opened the doors for other Asian groups

• Today Asian Americans are the second-fastest growing racial group.

• Includes Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Asian Indians and Filipinos

• Each of these ethnic subgroups arrived, one after the other

• As one was restricted another replaced them.

• Many sailed across the pacific and were processed at Angel Island in San Francisco Bay

• Prime virtue in the Japanese feudal system was loyalty to the ruler • Family lineage and honor are of great importance in medieval Japanese

society because of inheritance determined power and prestige and ownership of property.

• Family continuity of vital concern.

• Leadership role inherited by oldest son who also inherits family estate

The Japanese American Experience

• 1880’s – Japanese immigration increased. • Many experiences mimic Chinese • Little distinction was made between the two • Many laws implemented to hinder Chinese were also applied to other

Asians

• Some experiences were unique to Japanese.

• 1890 – 12,000 Japanese resided in Hawaii and 3,000 on mainland (mostly California). • By 1930 – 140,000 (about 98,000 in

California). • Like Chinese, many men had

agriculture background • Wanted to earn money and return to

their country • Railroad building and gold mining

opportunities had declined by their arrival

• 1907 Governments of U.S. and Japan came to “gentleman’s agreement.” • Similar to the Chinese exclusion Act • Prevented the entry of laborers • Unlike Exclusion Act the agreement

did not prohibit laborers from sending for wives

• 1909-1924 – “picture bride” era • Arrangement of marriage through

photos

• Bombing in 1941 • Japanese sank or severely damaged 18 ships (8

battleships, 3 light cruisers, and 3 destroyers).

• On the airfields the Japanese destroyed 161 American planes (Army 74, Navy 87) and seriously damaged 102 (Army 71, Navy 31).

• 2,117 were deaths (Navy 2,008, Marines 109) and 779 wounded (Navy 710, Marines 69).

• The Army lost 228 killed or died of wounds, 113 seriously wounded

• 57 civilians were killed and nearly as many seriously injured.

• FDR passed an executive order declaring most of West Coast a military- sensitive area • More than 110,000

Japanese Americans removed from their homes; placed in army style relocation camps • Closed in 1946

Household Size and Composition (Japanese Americans)

• Japanese family structure is similar to traditional American nuclear family. • Stem family still exists in which retied parents are likely to live with the

child who inherits the leadership role. • Families who can afford to may have a separate wing or adjoining home for the

elders.

• Current Birth rate of 0.9% is much lower than earlier generations, other Asian subgroups, European Americans, African Americans, and Hispanics. • Most families are nuclear; only about 5% of Japanese American households

include other relatives. • Japanese American households use to have more consanguineal relationships over

the years their has been more independence and separate households, thus more recently Japanese American families place emphasis on conjugal relationships.

Socialization of Children

• Children were encouraged to speak English exclusively • Educational achievement was considered by parents to be an indication of

their children’s successful acculturation • Hierarchy by age (eldest son receives special treatment)

• Second to be served at meals (behind the father) • Generally indulged • Younger siblings instructed to obey him

• Expected to contribute to the household economy through work in the family business by the time they reach adolescence • Children are valued in terms of both their potential for helping parents in

the future and for males the ability to carry on the family name

Relationships

• Changes in mate selection • Before WWII parents were more likely to choose; post

WWII more children chose their own partner.

• Teens spent most leisure time away from (homes were small and lacked privacy) • Average age of marriage 27.8 for men and 24.4 for

women • High rates of “out marriage” – marrying outside of

Japanese culture • Exogamy – out marriage

• Generally little affection by couples in front of children or others

Work Relationships and the Family

• Traditionally women had a subservient position while men enjoyed superior social status. • Men were breadwinners; women were homemakers

• Contemporary families are more egalitarian • Increase in women in the workforce since 1960’s • Women still lag in income (men more likely to be in executive, managerial

positions while women are more likely to be in clerical or sales support • More dual earner families • Gender gap in educational statistics • Higher household expenses

Life Cycle Transitions

• One of the lowest divorce rates of any group in the U.S. (1.6 %) • Single parent households are at around 12%

• Strong commitments to family and caring for elderly • Tend to live near parents and provide financial

assistance. • Because of low birth rates and low levels of recent

immigration, the Japanese population is aging.

Family Strengths and Challenges

• Strong family solidarity despite adverse historical experiences. • Strong feelings of obligation and commitment toward parents • Tolerance toward family diversity. • Economic parity.

• Glass ceiling effect: encouraged to be as successful as possible, but it is virtually impossible to reach the top.

Misconception & Stereotypes

• Model minority myth – high educational attainment, low crime levels, and absence of juvenile delinquency published by journalists (1960’s) • Model viewed Japanese families as ideal

• Income is higher and divorce rate is lower than majority (Caucasians) • Ideal minority

Asian American Families Today

• Although they suffered multiple forms of discrimination Asian Americans are doing well in U.S. • Median Income and Education higher than an other group • Levels of poverty is slightly higher than Whites and significantly lower

than any other ethnic minority group • High percentages of family households • High rates of married couples • Low single-parent household rates • Divorce increase among younger generation • Japanese has highest divorce rate

Puerto Rican Families Chapter 8

Overview

• Puerto Rican Migration to the U.S. – experienced many of the same problems as other ethnic groups • Poverty • Family separation • Sense of isolation

• Timing of migration is different • Puerto Ricans are U.S. Citizens • All Puerto Rican Americans have the right to travel between the island and

mainland

• Acculturation, or learning to live an environment with others whose cultural values differ from one’s own, has played in an important role for Puerto Ricans for centuries. • Like many of the cultures of the U.S., Puerto Rican culture evolved as

Europeans, Africans, and indigenous Indians mixed with and influenced each other.

• Despite the influence of the U.S. the island’s native culture retained many distinctive characteristics.

• Puerto Rican culture has maintained the community orientation that is part of its Spanish and African heritage.

• The high status accorded to the elders of the family, particularly the patriarchs (men viewed as leaders), and the prevalence of traditional gender-role expectations, indicate that Puerto Rican culture still features a rigid social system in which hierarchies are respected, within both the family and the larger community.

The Migration Experience

• Began as a Spanish colony • U.S. took possession of the island in the late 19th century during

Spanish American war. • American military general served as governor of Island

• 1917 – Jones Act gave U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans giving them the right to travel freely between the island and mainland • Currently over 50% of Puerto Ricans live on the mainland

• 1947 – held 1st popular election; 1st native born governor • 1950 – granted the right to draft their own constitution – making it a

commonwealth – not a U.S. state or independent • About 300,000 lived on the mainland (mainly in NY) • The “Great Migration” – 20 year period after WWII 640,000 Puerto Ricans came to

U.S. • Primarily facilitated by the development of direct commercial flights from San Juan to NY City.

Much quicker than 5 day boat trip. • 1970 – 1.5 million • 2000 – 7 million • 2012 Election

• Referendum on relationship with U.S. • 54% to 46% (reject current status as commonwealth)

• Puerto Ricans DO NOT have full U.S citizenship unless born on the mainland • Islanders are not required to pay federal taxes • They can not vote in presidential elections • Only one nonvoting member of Congress

• Only 1% of Puerto Rican American population considered Foreign born • They are not subject to immigration laws

• Adaptation to American culture varies • Some have chosen the values and

customs of the dominant culture but retain their connection to Puerto Rico. • Others immerse themselves in

mainstream American Culture

Household Composition

• More Puerto Rican families conform to the nuclear family model • Family structures do not differ

significantly from that of the United States • Extended family lives together or in

close proximity • Family is an extended social unit

that encompasses a wide variety of relationships

Compadrazgo – Godparenting

• Among Hispanic families strong sense of family ties

• Roots in Catholicism • Viewed as spiritual mentors • Potential parents for the child should

anything happen to the parents • In. U.S. Hispanics often use family

members as godparents • Usually appointed infant’s baptism • Traditionally different sets of godparents

chosen at child’s first holy Communion, confirmation, and marriage

Respeto

• Generational relationships play both a symbolic and practical role in the survival of the extended family • Elders treated with special respect • Foundation on which the entire familial system is based • Generally young and middle-aged go to elders for advice

• Importance of extended family in traditional Puerto Rican society can not be overstated • Familialism – strong orientation to the family as both the root of one’s

identity and a conduit to the outside world

Socialization of Children

• Child rearing holds special importance • Raising children is primarily the mother’s

responsibility, the father is also involved. • The goal of socializing children is to develop boys and

girls into adults who conform into traditional masculine and feminine roles • Boys and girls are raised differently (gender

expectations) • Boys – aggressive, and extroverted, allowed to

play outside of the household much earlier than girls

• Girls – expected to stay close to home, assume domestic responsibilities at an early age, and to behave in a restrained and obedient manner

Relationships

• Gender based differences continue into adolescence

• Selecting one’s future mate is a key part of one’s personal life, particularly in the family-oriented culture (the larger life of the family unit).

• Puerto Rican dating patterns are different than traditional American culture • Interests of the family and

those of the individual within the family are tightly joined (inseparable)

• Because family is the central social unit of Puerto Rican culture, there is great concern for familial continuity. • Children are valued • Having children is not delayed.

• Gender differences are embedded within the culture. • Machismo – manliness; lead of the

household • Marianismo – derives from the devotion

accorded in Latin American Catholicism to the figure of the Virgin Mary.

• Traditional Puerto Rican women have few relationships outside of extended family

• Lives center on the home and raising children.

Family Relationships

• Family functions as a cooperative social unit, with in the roles assigned to men and women

• Traditional role awards the male higher status more freedom of action. • Male – involves responsibilities to the family

and venturing out of the household to provide; also expected to participate in household duties to an extent

• Female – role is changing; more role models in mainstream culture; expected to contribute economically

• Cohabitation increasing among all Hispanic groups but generally more practiced and accepted among Puerto Ricans.

• Single parent households increasing among all Hispanic groups • Higher among Puerto Ricans (high non marital

birth & divorce rates) • Lower divorce rates than other racial ethnic groups

• This can be misleading because separation figures are not included.

• Puerto Ricans have he highest rate among the subgroups.

• Mexicans have the lowest rate. • Religion is cultural explanation.

Life Cycle

• Increasing instability in poor Puerto Rican American families

• Dramatic rise in the number of female- headed households has placed strain on a culture grounded patriarchy and strong family orientation

• Nearly 50% of Puerto Rican families were headed by women • Less access to resources traditionally

provided by the extended family • Loss of support has led to destructive

behaviors in children

• Social conditions • Some women find traditional gender

roles constraining • Desire greater authority in making

household decisions

Family Strengths & Challenges

Strengths • Reliance on extended family for

emotional and practical support • Majority of adults visit their

parents weekly

Challenges • Shift from extended family to

nuclear family • Poverty

Misconceptions and Stereotypes

• Subject to many stereotypes that misrepresent them • Perceived as lazy • Unwilling to work • Rely on Government assistance • Antisocial behavior • Unstructured households • Multigenerational support

viewed as a weakness • Low income

Asian Indian Families Chapter 9

Overview

• The name Asian Indian refers to people who are originally from the subcontinent of India. • Subgroup of larger Asian American group • Asian/Pacific Islander (Asian American) established by the U.S. Immigration

and Naturalization Service, includes all South Asians and Southeast Asians • Overlooks ethnic and cultural variations that exist within and among the different

nations of Asia.

• Among many Asian populations in the U.S., Asian Indians are one of the fastest growing groups. • Fourth largest subgroup after Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino Americans.

• India is a land of religious diversity. • 83% Hindus • 11% Muslims • 3% Christians • 2% Sikhs

• Hinduism, a 2500-year-old religion, forms the basis of Asian Indian psychology and philosophy.

• In addition, Indian society I divided into many castes, tribes, languages, and subcultures, resulting in a variety of traditional practices.

Hinduism

• Ideally, Hindus forfeit their desire for life and seek salvation (Nirvana) from the cycle of reincarnation in order to become one with Brahman • Hindus believe that the individual’s destiny, or karma, is the result of

present actions, and they adhere to codes of conduct appropriate for different stages of human life. • Four concepts underlie this attitude toward life and daily conduct

• Dharma – actions characterized by considerations of righteousness and duty • Artha – activities whose object is material gain • Kama – those whose end is love or pleasure • Moksha – devotions to spiritual pursuits in order to liberate the self from worldly life

Religion – Asian Indian Americans

The Immigration Experience

• For political and economic reasons, U.S. immigration laws have been altered to accommodate and discourage immigration from other countries.

• Before 1965 there were quota restrictions allowed only about 100 Indians to immigrate annually. • The U.S. immigration act of 1965 abolished the discriminatory practices that

limited immigration based on place of birth and national origin, allowing Indians to enter the country in large numbers for the first time. • Between 1965 and 1970, over 26,000 Indian immigrants entered into the U.S. • During the 1980’s approximately 20,000 Indians entered the country each year

• Population increased an estimated 56% between 1980 and 1990

• Migration is not a new phenomenon for Asian Indians. • Moved to different parts of the world whenever they found the right opportunity • In the past most came to the U.S. to work on farms, in construction, and in industry

• Today a large portion immigrate in search of educational or professional opportunities

• Viewed as the model minority, largely because of their high levels of education and privileged socioeconomic status • Able to find employment fairly easily • Maintain income levels that provide a buffer against many challenges

• Exposure to western culture and beliefs • Most are fluent in English because of the education system • Fluency in English and familiarity with U.S. culture facilitate and enhance their entry into

American society.

Traditional and emerging family systems • Traditionally, Asian Indians live in a joint family.

• Includes married couple, their unmarried children, and their married sons with their spouses and children.

• Three or more generations may live to together. • Interdependence, group solidarity, and conformity are highly

valued. • Behaviors and roles are governed by age, gender, and

generational status. • Social roles are rigid and formal. • Family members help care for young children

• As head of the family, the father is responsible for enforcing family rules.

• The mother is the nurturing parent who takes care of the household and is the primary caretaker of children. • Infants over indulged; young children raised in an authoritarian

atmosphere; children live with parents and remain submissive into adulthood

Household Composition

• Rapid economic changes, industrialization, and urbanization in India have affected the size, structure, and role of Indian families. • Among the middle class, family structure is slowly evolving toward the nuclear

family. • Essence of joint family continues to prevail through the extended family, an

arrangement in which two or more nuclear families affiliate through the extension of the parent-child relationship.

• Asian Indian migration to the U.S. has seen a shift in the structure and size of families • Many are in middle class professions and family structure reflects that with the

typical family having 2-3 children. • Most still have cultural conflict between the traditional, Indian form of elderly

support and the Asian system of care.

The Socialization of Children

• Traditionally, child rearing in India has encompassed the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of life • Important milestones in child development and

growth have been identified even in Hindu mythology. • Most Asian Indians seek the same prenatal and

delivery care as Americans. • Little assistance once the baby is born but often times the

maternal grandmother is helpful in early weeks. • Compared with American youth, Asian Indians are

often reserved and obedient to American teachers. • Parents are supportive of academic endeavors and

apply a great deal of pressure on them to succeed.

• Traditionally, Indian culture does not recognize an “adolescent” stage. • Research suggests difficulties on adjustment for Asian Indian teenagers in

the U.S. causing emotional difficulty • Control • Communication • Prejudice • Expectations of excellence

• Parents of Asian Indian American teens feel that their children are unable to make sound judgements; need to do so is viewed as deviant • Children tend to not integrate socially, in effort to retain their ethnic

identity, culture, and religious values. • Parents may limit contact with American youth

Relationships

• Arranged marriages are prevalent in India. • Currently, the prospective couple has some input

in the process of mate selection. A couple may be allowed to meet formally to determine suitability before marriage

• Asian Indian immigrants follow a similar system • System will slowly diminish as each generation

assimilates to American culture

• Because marriages of high proportion of immigrant parents were arrange, these parents often assume their children prefer to have their mate selected for them. • Can be a challenge for young adults that have

been raised in traditional American culture.

• Traditionally weddings are large and expensive. • Variety of rituals that begin several days before the formal

ceremony. • Bride often dresses in a silk sari extravagantly trimmed in

gold. • Hair is interwoven with flowers, heavy gold jewelry on her

wrists and neck, and her hands are painted with henna. • Asian Indians place high value on marriage and family.

• Parents instill this in children from an early age. • Preference is to intermarry.

• The pattern of male dominated marriages continues to be the norm among Indian immigrants in the U.S. • Some changes include more women pursing education and

careers • Can become a source of conflict in the marriage

Work relationships and family

• Many Asian Indian Americans are highly trained professionals • Many are employed outside of the home • Educational and occupational skills generally enable them to find

employment fairly easily • Increase in the United States workforce over the last several decades • Because more women are working professionals there has been a

major shift in household roles • Dual earner families often rely on child care • Some responsibilities that traditionally were done by extended family in India

are the sole responsibility of couples in the United States. • Balancing work and family can be stressful

Life Cycle Transitions

• Despite legislation that permits divorce, the dissolution of the family unit in India is rare. • Fewer barriers to divorce in the U.S. than in India

• Single parenthood is uncommon • Strong taboo against parenthood without marriage • In cases of a deceased spouse a single parent may return to

India for a supportive environment

• Respect for elders and for the wisdom they have gained through experience is instilled in children at an early age. • Adult children are expected to care for aging parents

Family Strengths and Challenges

Strengths • Family facilitates ties to culture and

provides stability • Closeness within families • Concern for every members well-

being • At times of crisis, family members

and relatives are supporters • Most are fluent in English (no

language barrier)

Challenges • Appearance of being foreign and

adapting to new culture • Often feel lonely and isolated • Lack of social environment

Misconceptions and stereotypes

• Often have a foreign accent – can cause issues in community • Style of dress can be traditional – different than U.S. • Raised in interdependent culture – different from independence

encouraged in American culture • Uncomfortable with confrontation