Chapter 4: Racial and Ethnic Families

Summary

The United States is diverse and only increasing its population of different races and ethnicities. Each family has distinct cultures and it is changing the face of America. African American families, American Indian families, Latino families, Asian American families, and Middle Eastern families all have unique family structures that reflect their cultures and economic well-being. Parenting and gender roles also influence the success of their families and contribute to the success of the United States as a society.

New, Interesting, or Unusual Items Learned

It was interesting to learn that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have the highest median household income. The correlations between their income and their education, family structure, and health have a direct link to this figure.

It was also interesting to see the connection between the gender roles of Asian American families and the impact of the parents and children within the family.

Question/Concern

Have crime rates increased due to immigration? Similar to the chart comparing the makeup of the United States in 1900 versus to the United States in 2009, has crime risen, stayed the same, or gone down? And what would the causes be of the status of crime levels?

Brian Bitner