Intergenerational family solidarity: Value differences between immigrant groups and generations.

Abstract

Although immigrants may be more dependent on their immediate family for support, they may also experience a wider generation-gap in values regarding intergenerational solidarity, because of processes of acculturation. Based on large scale survey data (N = 2,028), differences between first and second generation immigrants in values regarding intergenerational solidarity were examined among family members in the Netherlands with an immigration background from Turkey, Morocco, Suriname, and The Dutch Antilles. Using a multilevel analytic approach, effects of family and individual characteristics on values regarding intergenerational solidarity were tested, considering the perspectives of two generations. It was found that immigrants with Moroccan and Turkish backgrounds scored higher on values with respect to intergenerational family solidarity than immigrants stemming from Suriname and The Antilles. First generation immigrants placed higher values on family solidarity compared to second generation immigrants. Additionally, religious denomination was a significant predictor of higher values with respect to intergenerational family solidarity. Immigration and acculturation may create great strains in migrant families. Policies to support the fabric of intergenerational solidarity should consider ethnic and religious background and immigration history.

Intergenerational Family Solidarity of Immigrants from Two Successor States of Former Yugoslavia Living in Austria

“…This study further pinpoints that negative impacts of migration on social support, defined in terms of maintaining contact and visits, have been considerably attenuated by the advent of technological changes in communication like mobile phones and skype (Knodel & Saengtienchai, 2007). Another research also indicates that differences in IGFS values are observed between immigrant groups and generations with first generation immigrants placing higher values on family solidarity compared to second generation immigrants (Merz, Özeke-Kocabas, Oort, & Schuengel, 2009). …”

Ideal selves as identity management strategies

“…White participants' preference for ideal selves corresponding to individualisation indicates that they might not only try to escape the negative evaluation of their ingroup due to apartheid but also come to terms with their minority status. The latter conclusion is informed by studies on minorities within immigrant contexts which demonstrated for instance that minorities value family much more than they value the broader community (e.g., Merz, Oort, Oezeke-Kocabas, & Schuengel, 2009).…”

Transnational Aging

“…There is uncertainty about whether their children will share the traditional views on providing care between the different generations (the elderly are to be taken care by their children or children-in-law in return for the care they themselves received as children) in the destination context, but these doubts are hardly discussed within the family. Although research has shown that younger-generation migrants place a lower value on family solidarity and internalize the cultural values of the host country more strongly than their parents (Merz et al, 2009), most children still feel responsible and are motivated to take care of their parents or in-laws (Dykstra & Fokkema, 2012). The conditions to take on the full responsibility for such care are more difficult in the European context though: compared to the situation in the home country it is less common for children to share a house with parents or in-laws, children are more likely to live further away, and often both sons and daughters work and accordingly have less time to spend with their parents or in-laws.…”