The Burden of Colonial Debt and Indebtedness in Second Generation Filipino American Families

Authors

Maria J. Ferrera, DePaul UniversityFollow

Keywords

Colonial mentality, colonial debt, family indebtedness, Filipino American, second generation youth

Abstract

Second generation Filipino Americans (SGFAs) are more likely than other ethnic groups to be depressed and engage in risk behaviors. I discuss challenges SGFAs face with particular focus on the intersection of colonial mentality and intergenerational family conflict. In-depth interviews were conducted with thirty SGFAs. Narratives revealed evidence of both colonial debt, a form of colonial mentality or sense of gratitude for "civilizing" their indigenous culture, and family indebtedness to first generation parents. Combined with a strong inclination to assimilate, the weight of this indebtedness has had a detrimental effect on SGFAs emotional well being.

Recommended Citation

Ferrera, Maria J. (2016) "The Burden of Colonial Debt and Indebtedness in Second Generation Filipino American Families," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 43: Iss. 3, Article 10.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3533
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol43/iss3/10