Section 1:3 Environment
37
Multicultural Influence on American Families
African-
American
Husband and wife have more equal roles.
Bonds between relatives are strong.
Emphasis on intergenerational ties is strong.
Children are highly educated.
Extended family households are common.
•
•
•
•
•
Hispanic-
American
The extended family is highly valued.
Cooperation and assistance is common among relatives.
Many are bilingual.
Catholicism is an important factor.
•
•
•
•
Asian-American Recent immigrants tend to retain values and traditions of homeland.
Family ties are strong.
Males and females are expected to contribute to family income.
Achievement, education, hard work, and loyalty are valued.
•
•
•
•
Native-American
Kin include the clan—a group of related families.
Ceremonies and rituals mark transitions into adulthood and contribute to
ethnic identity.
Tribal identities and practices are strong.
•
•
•
European-
American
Values and traditions vary widely.
Kinship groups are important.
Families prefer living close in ethnic neighborhoods.
•
•
•
1-12
Your cultural heritage can give you a sense of identity and strengthen family bonds.
Teachers in a quality school environment
encourage students by helping them find areas
in which they can succeed. Some students
need praise and encouragement. Some need
opportunities to lead. Some need slower-paced
materials. Others need more challenging work.
Remember the use-it-or-lose-it rule as it applies
to the developing brain? The school years are a
time to stimulate brain development by exploring
many different experiences and repeating them.
By repeating them, a permanent impression is
made so the skills learned in school are not lost in
the future.
The Influence of Peers
Your peers are the people who are your age.
The influence of your peers is greatest during
the teen years. Your relationships with them are
What subjects do you find most interesting
in school? What subjects do you feel most
stimulate your brain development?
Link to Your Life