The Impact of Americanization on Intergenerational Relations: An Exploratory Study on the U.S. Territory of Guam

Authors

Amanda Smith Barusch, University of Utah
Marc L. Spaulding, University of Guam

Abstract

In-depth interviews with a sample of 60 elderly from the indigenous (Chamorro) population and the immigrant (Filipino) population examined their current lifestyles, with emphasis upon intergenerational relations. Results underscore the dramatic lifestyle changes experienced by Guam's elderly in the wake of Americanization. Among these is an intergenerational "language gap", wherein a majority of the grandchildren do not speak the native language of their elders. Ethnicity, mixed marriage, and length of residence on Guam are discussed as possible determinants of the language gap. The language gap is associated with lower life satisfaction for elders, as well as reduced family contact and less intergenerational assistance.

Recommended Citation

Barusch, Amanda Smith and Spaulding, Marc L. (1989) "The Impact of Americanization on Intergenerational Relations: An Exploratory Study on the U.S. Territory of Guam," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 16: Iss. 3, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1908
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol16/iss3/6