"It's the Filipino Way": Remittance Practices of Filipino American Families

Abstract

Remittances, money, or products sent to relatives at a distance is a common practice Filipino Americans use to retain ties and assist their family members living in the Philippines. This study investigated first-generation Filipino Americans' remittance practices and secondgeneration's intention to remit, to better understand the dynamics around remittance and generational differences. Qualitative interviews revealed complex motivations and reasons for remitting money and balikbayan boxes to the Philippines, and they shed light on the multifaceted cultural identity of both generations, including the tradition of remitting, giving back, and the family pressure to do so. Secondgeneration respondents felt less pressure to remit and reported weaker ties to their heritage and to the Philippines itself. FCS professionals are called to investigate and understand the minority experience of remittance and how it can shape family values.