Chapter 11
Laos) are having greater difficulty
adjusting to American culture than earlier
immigrants from Japan, China, and Korea
(Olson & DeFrain, 2006). The turmoil of
civil wars and political instability has led
to an erosion of traditional family values
and practices among these newer Asian
immigrants. Evidence of the decrease in
strong family ties may be seen in the
increase in domestic violence, divorce, and
elder abuse in recent years.
Native-American Families
Native-Americans were the first
Americans. Their history is steeped in
legend and tells the epic story of a proud
people who were brutalized and
imprisoned on their own land. The many
diverse tribes encompass a wide range of
cultural heritages. About one third of
Native-American families live on
reservations today (Webster & Bishaw,
2007). The rest have been assimilated into
the larger culture, so it is difficult to make
generalizations about Native-American
family patterns.
For most, family remains a highly
valued component of Native-American
life (Sage, 2001). Those who choose to
live on the reservation place great
importance on the community as a larger
extended family, which often operates in
place of a missing parent. The tribe
works together to socialize its youth into
the values, language, and traditions of the
tribe’s heritage. Marriages are often a
tribal affair, requiring the consent of the
whole community (Carson et al., 1990).
Elders are revered and respected for their
role in transferring the tribal culture to
the young. This is evidenced by a
growing interest inpantraditionalism,
which refers to those who had been
assimilated, but who have chosen to re-
embrace their previously lost native
culture, values, and practices (Garrett &
Pichette, 2000). This increased awareness
of native culture also serves to increase
family bonds.Navajo mother teaching daughter weaving.
Navajo Indian Reservation.Paul Chesley / Stone / Getty Images