Chapter 4

Summary:

In chapter four we learn about the different changes in immigration.
- For example, in the early 1900’s 85% of the immigrants coming to America were from Europe. However, in 2009 America only consisted of only 13% of Europeans.

- Most of the immigrants coming to America are coming from Asia * mainly from China, and the Philippines, Latin America * mainly Mexico.

- The United States admits only 1 million undocumented immigrants.

- A substantial amount of Americans feel that immigrants do not feel the financial burden of the expenses that are lost.

- Without immigrants many smaller towns would not be able to survive.

- Scholars dispute that as of now and in the future, immigrants could provide an advantage, and not harm us in cost.

African American Families:

1. Has several family structures
· Sometimes racially mixed, they are cut off from main currents of the African American life style.

2. Its common for men and women to have equality in authority in the family

3. Are important role models to enhance their child’s learning ability

4. More than 33% of low-income working families live in high-poverty communities

5. African American children are most likely to be raised by one parent, most commonly, the mother of the child will be the responsible parent

6. More than two-thirds of African American families have no assets

7. Have strong kinship bonds

American Indian Families:

1. Approximately 62% of the Native and Alaskan Native children live with both parents

2. Gender roles do not exist

3. Children are valuable to a Native tribe. Majority of parent’s time is used making toys for the children to use in activities and ceremonies

4. Children are brought up to respect their elders because old age is considered an honor

5. Between the ages of 15-34 suicide is the second leading death

6. Have high values of respect, generosity, and sharing among their tribe, band, clan, and kin group

Latino Families:

1. Approximately 70% of Latino children live in two parent families

2. Gender/ parenting roles depend on how long the family has lived in the United States

3. Extended families have provided emotional and economic support

4. 38% of the Latino households make $50,000 a year or more

5. Are resilient and adaptive

Asian American Families:

1. Are likely to be extended than nuclear
2. Women are to obey the males in their families
3. Strongest family ties are between parents and children. Not between husband and wife

4. Have the highest median income in the country
5. Have stable households
Middle Eastern Families:

1. Not having children is a reason for vast amount of unhappiness

2. Shame against the family should be avoided at all costs

3. Men are the providers for their families, and the protector of their families, and female kin

4. Tend to have better education, and are richer than most Americans

5. Children are tormented because of their names and cultural traditions

Figure 4.6 on page 101 shows the percentage of Americans who identify with more than one race


Interests/ Unusual Items Learned:

In Chapter 4, I really enjoyed learning about the different aspects of the minority groups in the United States, and what they face in both a positive and negative way.


Discussion:

The one thing that I would like to talk about in Chapter 4 is the total number of illegal immigrants that come into the Unites States. I found it shocking that the United States only admits to more than 1 million immigrants yearly and these immigrants are undocumented.

Additionally, there is another 12 million undocumented immigrants coming into the United States. That is a huge difference and such an imbalance. How can that amount of people enter the United States illegally? There has to be an easier solution to this problem.

Natalie Sebula