The Influence of Ethnic Families on Intergenerational Relationships and Later Life Transitions

Abstract

Recent studies of American families indicate that pluralism continues to be characteristic of American society. Since a great number of older Americans are either immigrants or the children of immigrants, and many others have spent much of their lives in ethnic communities, understanding the elderly in American society requires insight into ethnic values and family patterns. The foundation for intergenerational relationships is laid early in the family life cycle as children are growing up. Ethnic family structure and socialization of children are closely related to intergenerational interaction in adulthood. Extended family relationships in turn influence social participation outside the family throughout the life cycle and older people's responses to the later life transitions of retirement, widowhood, and decline in health.