Layout 1

Cultural Variations in Marriage and Family

the lowest high school graduation rates of
all American teens (Eaton et al., 2007).
These teens may also face language
barriers other American teens do not
encounter.
Certain Hispanic-American groups
have strict male/female roles which are
related to the strengths and challenges of
their families. The stereotypical dominant
“macho” role for males may be related to
domestic violence. For females, cultural
role expectations may result in low
academic achievement, since women are
discouraged from careers requiring high
achievement. As Hispanic families
assimilate, males tend to move toward
more egalitarian roles, including
housework, childcare, and marital
faithfulness and away from the traditional,
machismo ideology (Hirsh, 2003).
Most Hispanic-American families are
very religious and maintain a close
relationship with their churches (mostly
Catholic). They often turn to their
churches in times of need, gaining social
support from clergy and other church
organizations.

Asian-American Families

Asian-American families place a very
high value on education and achievement,
so much so they often sacrifice family ties
in order to achieve educational or career
goals. Yet they retain a strong family

orientation, particularly within the

nuclear family.

Asian-Americans also have a strong

identification to the nuclear and extended

family. Women traditionally move into

their husband’s family at the time of

marriage and their last name disappears

from the family tree. Researchers have

identified the following as strengths of

Asian-American families (Carter &

McGoldrick, 2005; Olson & DeFrain,

2006; Zhou & Gatewood, 2000).

Strengths.

Challenges.Asian-Americans tend to be

hard workers, sometimes to excess. Their

high achievement motivation may place

excessive pressure on young people. At the

same time, Asian-American families often

distrust outsiders, so they may be less

likely to seek help from professionals.

Family members often isolate themselves

from kin as they seek to better themselves

through education and job opportunities.

Intermarriage is becoming increasing

common for Asian-Americans.

Recent Asian immigrants from poorer,

rural nations (Vietnam, Cambodia, and

• Strong family orientation


• Great respect for elders


• High value on education


• Well-disciplined children


• Extended family support


• Hard working