How Can Racial and Ethnic Background Influence Family Relationships Across

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The Answer is Racial and ethnic background can have a strong impact on family relationships across the life course. Most studies of ethnic or racial-minority families have found that there is greater obligation and dependence on kinship ties than in mainstream society for social relationships, housing, personal care, and financial support, especially in the later years. Perhaps because of minority-group status and unique cultural values, a closely knit extended family-rather than friends or social organizations-serves as the primary resource for assistance and support. But this dependence on family creates a stressful paradox for older members, especially those who are widowed. Elderly parents in immigrant families are well integrated into the kin network, often living in a child's household. But they often report feeling lonely, isolated, and bored in this type of living arrangement. Many are dependent on kin for emotional, social, and financial support, and some report that they are just servants for their children and grandchildren. If they do not speak English or French and if they live in non-ethnic, suburban communities, with no contact with age peers from their cultural group, the family may be their only social contact.

How Can Racial and Ethnic Background Influence Family Relationships Across

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