Colliding at the Hyphen

Latino Families andthe Impact of Generational Conflict

Greg and Sue SmithLUCHA Ministries, Inc.

Latino-Americans and…A Hyphenated Reality

Socio-cultural Designations

Demographics

Generational Distinctions

Generational Identities

Generational Attitudes

A Hyphenated Reality“The hyphen motif aptly performs the migrant

condition of between here and there, a liminal space of betweenness and transition, where internal and external worlds, here and there, past and present, intersect. This intersection point, marked by hyphenation, always performs across multiple borders and thereby emphasises a spatial-temporal liminal register experienced by many transnationals.

A Hyphenated Reality“In textual practice a hyphen is a punctuation sign that

connects and separates two different entities. As such, here the hyphen begins to evoke an interesting spatial-temporal paradigm for transnationals, who are placed between two or more divided geographies, sociographies, and cultural identities. As well as being a link between multiple series of dual identities and conditions, the hyphen can simultaneously signify an ambiguous area of liminality – a psychological space of neither here nor there, and undecidability of identity and belonging, which, on various levels, is symptomatic of many transnationals.”

Yoka van Dyk, “Hyphenated Living: Between Longing and Belonging: An Exposition of Displacement as Liminality in the Transnational Condition.”

(2005)

Socio-Cultural Designations:Latino vs. HispanicHispanic and Latino are not identical terms

though often used interchangeably.

Hispanic, from the Latin word for “Spain,” encompasses all Spanish-speaking peoples whose cultural heritage is from Spain.

Latino, meaning "Latin“ in Spanish, probably comes from a shortening of the Spanish word latinoamericano, and refers more exclusively to persons from communities in Latin America.

Demographics 2012

US: 50 million plus (16%) – largest US minority group VA: 671,000 plus (8.2%) Culpeper Co: 4200 (8.9%) Culpeper (Town): 2800 (17%)

2050 Between now and 2050: Immigrants will comprise 93% of growth of US

working-age population By 2050 – 30% of US population will be Latino

Latinos are youngest US minority group 1-in-5 schoolchildren is Latino 1-in-4 newborns is Latino

17% - Latino high school dropout rate

Latino Generations1st Generation

Born outside the US, its territories or possessions (foreign born)

Can be naturalized US citizens, legal immigrants, or undocumented immigrants

2nd GenerationBorn in the US (or brought to the US at a very young age)Have at least one foreign-born parentUS citizens by birth if born in the US

3rd GenerationBorn in the US with both parents also born or raised in

the USUS citizens by birth

Identity Formation

Natural progression

OR

Hybrid formation?

Generational Identities

First-Generation Latinos possess a strong bond with their native country, cultures, and values.

Second-Generation Latinos’ cultural bond is mixed and not

uniform.

“Latin America is…“…immense not only in its size—twice the area of Europe, and stretching from the Rio Grande in Texas to Cape Horn in Patagonia—but in its range of cultural and literary expression. What we call ‘Latin American culture’ is a composite of the rich and diverse output of 20 sovereign countries. Each had its unique struggle for independence and particular ways in which it evolved after the end of colonization. “

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Generational Identities

First-Generation Latinos possess an interdependent, collective-expressive or group-oriented identity. Second-Generation

Latinos blend this identity with a more individual-expressive

identity.

Generational Identities

First-Generation and Second-Generation Latinos possess different language skills and abilities, which affect cultural affinity, social adaptation and

generational roles.

Latino Language Preferences

Spanish dominant

Bilingual English dominant

All Hispanics 38% 38% 24%

1st Generation 61% 33% 6%

2nd Generation 8% 53% 40%

3rd Generation 1% 29% 69%

Robert Suro, DirectorPew Hispanic Center

“What I’ve concluded from looking at a variety of surveys is that exposure to American ways through the acquisition of English produces absorption of those ways. Certainly, not every aspect of the American experience gets adopted, but enough does to show that a significant process of assimilation is taking place: people change when they come to the United States and the change accelerates when a great big doorway into their hearts and minds is opened by language.” (emphasis added)

Generational Attitudes

Trust of those outside the Latino community is not easily given,

especially from first-generation, Spanish-dominant Latinos

Generational Attitudes

Both first- and second-generation Latinos believe in the value of education. Cultural knowledge among first-generation Latinos

parents plays a large role in their approach to education and to parental involvement in their

children’s education.

How do the Latino Generations View Their World? 1st Generation:

Emphasis placed on “Latino” in “Latino-American”; worldview reflects native culture

Language is Spanish dominant Maintain more of an interdependent, group identity Educational attainment is generally low Trust is extremely hard to come by, especially for those outside the community

2nd Generation: Emphasis placed on the “-” (hyphen) in “Latino-American”; worldview is mixed,

often more American than Latin American, but personal stress felt by individuals is real

Language is mixed; both English and Spanish, though English usually is dominant Maintain a mixed identity, emphasizing both individual and group For those born in US, educational achievement can be high; for those who grew up

in the US but born outside US, education can be low where academic achievement is unattainable

Trust not as hard to come by, though still there is much wariness of others

3rd Generation and beyond: Emphasis placed on “American” in “Latino-American”; worldview reflect American

values and beliefs, with a desire to recapture their grandparents values Language is solidly English, though often with an appreciation for Spanish Solidly American in their identity Education attainment is generally high Trust-level reflects that of most Americans

Latino Cultural Values

Most experts agree on a core set of Latino cultural values that

derive from a collective worldview rather than an

individualistic one and that influence many aspects of their

lives.

Latino Cultural ValuesRespeto – establishing clear boundaries in

human relationships; central in socialization. Includes respect for authority, for elders; based on hierarchical approach to relationships. Implies compliance and obedience.

Personalismo – human relationships are valued over formal rules and regulations, and includes time orientation. “The person is more important than the task.” Warmth and familiarity are central in developing and maintaining relationships.

Latino Cultural Values (cont.)Familismo – the emphasis on family

interaction and structure, dependency; extends beyond nuclear family to expanded family. Family is the primary social unit and source of social support. Suggests collectivism or interdependence.

Dignidad – reflected in actions that enhance a sense of pride, regardless of position; belief that every person is has value and worth and should be respected.

An understanding of these key cultural values is essential to establishing a positive, collaborative relationship with first-generation immigrants.

For second-generation Latinos, it is important to identify the cultural clash that occurs when the person’s family value system seem to be different from those of the dominant culture.