how does the usa culture affect immigrant family's lives?

Answer 1

well it can often affect the dynamic of the family overtime. Typically the first generation (the people just on the way over) experience some kind of negative emotions toward the new culture that they are entering to. This is reflected through the popularity of ethnic enclaves and the like (its just simply more important to be around those who can help and are like you when you first arrive). The second generation (children) usually begin a bit of a change in thought toward the dominant culture due to the public school system. They want to be like their new friends and fit in with their peer groups at school. This can create a new set of tension within the family as older family practices come into conflict with the wants of the second generation. By the time the third generation hits (grandkids of the immigrants) there is already a bit of culture loss from the original culture which has been supplanted by the dominant culture. This melding of culture affects the family as the newer generation always appears continue to break away from cultural practices.

There is something to be said for the fact that the family dynamic in immigrant families is similar to families from the dominant groups. There is still the same tensions that would have occured in the original culture as children begin to grow up, rebel, and seek their own independence. However there is large external agent (the change in location) which affects these tensions even more.