Grandparent–Grandchild Relationships in Chinese Immigrant Families in Los Angeles: Roles of Acculturation and the Middle Generation

Abstract

Being a grandparent is an important social role for Chinese older adults. Despite an increasing number of older Chinese immigrants in the United States and the uniquely differing culture of the United States relative to Chinese culture, few studies focused specifically on Chinese immigrant families in the United States. By conducting four focus groups (n = 32) in Los Angeles, CA, this study aimed to explore grandparent–grandchild relationships in Chinese immigrant families in the U.S. We found that the majority of Chinese immigrant grandparents maintained close relationships with their grandchildren. Grandparents’ adjustments of acculturation played an important role in maintaining close relationships with their grandchildren through improved English language proficiency, acceptance of American culture, and adjusted expectations. In addition, the middle generation acted as instructors, models, and interpreters in grandparent–grandchild relationships. The study contributed to literature by finding that Chinese immigrant grandparents and middle generation parents play important roles in their grandchildren’s lives via cohesive relationships. Practical services or programs can consider decreasing the acculturation gaps with grandchildren and linking three generations together when strengthening grandparent-grandchild relationships in the United States.

Facilitators and Barriers to Healthy Eating in Aged Chinese Canadians with Hypertension: A Qualitative Exploration

“…The traditional Chinese family structure may be the main mechanism that explains why many aged Chinese-Canadians prioritize the needs of their family over themselves. Many aged Chinese-American immigrants tend to speak little English and are dependent on their family for support [33,34]. Many of them live in an extended household and are the caregivers to their grandchildren [34,35].…”

“…Many aged Chinese-American immigrants tend to speak little English and are dependent on their family for support [33,34]. Many of them live in an extended household and are the caregivers to their grandchildren [34,35]. Consequently, Chinese-American grandparents may assimilate to various facets of American culture in order to identify with their grandchildren [34].…”

“…Many of them live in an extended household and are the caregivers to their grandchildren [34,35]. Consequently, Chinese-American grandparents may assimilate to various facets of American culture in order to identify with their grandchildren [34]. In addition, family conflict during mealtime is a common occurrence in intergenerational households [36], so aged Chinese immigrants may give in to other family members’ dietary wishes to avoid disagreement.…”

Achieving Health Equity in Asian Populations

“… Ge, Wu, and Dong (2018) found that acculturation had a nonsignificant relationship with oral health, whereas Li, Matthews, and Dong (2018) found that higher levels of health literacy and acculturation were associated with higher likelihood of cancer screening behaviors. In considering social relationships, Xu, Chi, and Wu (2018) found that higher perceived gaps in acculturation between themselves and their grandchildren negatively impacted their relationship. Furthermore, articles in this issue detail how Traditional Chinese Medicine is relevant and still widely used among Chinese older adults in the United States ( Dong & Li, 2018 ), but this population simultaneously utilizes non-Western and Western forms of health care, especially with respect to preventive care ( Dong & Jiang, 2018 ).…”

Clustering of chronic hepatitis B screening intentions in social networks of Moroccan immigrants in the Netherlands

“…They act as instructors, models, and interpreters, and provide financial, social, and/or emotional support to their parents and grandparents. Therefore, both children and grandchildren are an important group to consider when studying health behaviour of first-generation immigrants [34,35], since they frequently act as brokers for their parents or grandparents in contact with the Dutch healthcare [36].…”