The Relevance of Familism in Cross-Cultural Studies of Family Caregiving

Abstract

Although familism has been studied in both Mexican American and Anglo families, there is controversy about whether familism in both groups is the same. Research has shown great within-group variability, and in addition, the kinship structure in the two groups is fundamentally different. This article explores the cross-cultural issues in conceptualizing familism and its relevance to caregiving among Anglo and Mexican American caregivers. Based on data obtained in an ongoing research program, the process of arriving at similarities and differences in the expression of familism is discussed using Berry's criteria for achieving cultural equivalence.

Diabetes Self-Management in the Migrant Latino Population

“…Individuals from several ethnic backgrounds are lumped together under these terms, including Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican. Each of these ethnic groups has unique views and approaches to health and illness and therefore must be explored separately ( Baca-Zinn & Wells, 2000 ;Luna et al, 1996 ;Rodriguez-Reimann, Nicassio, Reimann, Gallegos, & Olmedo, 2004 ).…”

“…Family structure and attitudes toward family are rooted in cultural traditions and are passed intergenerationally ( Arce, 1978 ). Although research on familism has been conducted among Anglos, Canadians, Greeks, Portuguese, Indians, and Arabs, it has come to be viewed as a defining characteristic of Mexican families ( Aldrich, Lipman, & Goldman, 1973 ;Bardis, 1959 ;Blair, 1968 ;Kassess, 1976 ;Luna et al, 1996 ;Roa & Roa, 1979 ) and their attitudes toward caring for themselves ( Crist & Escandón-Dominguez, 2003 ). Some researchers believe familism is the most important value embedded in the Latino culture ( Arce, 1978 ).…”

“…A strong commitment to family is present. Regardless of acculturation levels, Latinos perceive a high level of family support and desire geographic closeness to their families ( Luna et al, 1996 ). In addition to blood relatives, Latinos include compadres and comadres (godparents) as well as other community members as part of "family."…”

“…Family members of the same gender are relied upon to help with financial issues and personal problems, and feelings of solidarity are greater with samesex family members as well. Multigenerational families are common and appreciation of this fact is important in understanding Latino family life ( Luna et al, 1996 ). "Men have power and authority relative to outside institutions and women are responsible for the daily affairs of the family."…”

Perceptions of Mexican American Clients Receiving Genetic Services in South Texas

“…Some researchers believe familism, the perceived strength of family bonds and sense of loyalty to family, is the most important value embedded in Mexican American culture [10, 11]. In Mexican American culture, the family is usually the first place to which people turn for help and the most important source of emotional and physical support for family members who become ill [12].…”