Chinese Immigrant Families and Christian Faith Community: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Like most other immigrants, Chinese immigrants in the U.S. have experienced challenges in acculturation to the American mainstream culture. Major challenges for Chinese immigrants include identity problems, language barriers, relationships problems, and lack of economic and social resources (Families and change: Coping with stressful events and transitions (pp. 307–332). New York: Sage). With respect to social resources, the Chinese Christian Church plays an important role in coping, acculturation, and assimilation processes for many Chinese immigrant families (Sociology of Religion, 67, 149–159). However, for some, conversion to the Chinese Christian Church becomes an existential as well as a social force—a source of meaning in their new life, and a source of transformation of their marriage and family life. This qualitative study examines the social, cultural, and spiritual roles of faith community in Chinese immigrants' marriages and family lives. Also, the research‐based connections between: (i) families and religion, and more specifically, (ii) Chinese Christian families and religion are examined.