The
Role of Birth Order in the Acculturation of Japanese Americans
G.J. Manaster, C. Rhodes, M.B. Marcus & J.C. Chan |
The
present study relates a within-family variable, birth order position,
to acculturation among second and third generation Japanese Americans.
The study tests a general hypothesis that firstborn (including only
children) will be less assimilated to the dominant culture than their
siblings in families where the parents are trying to maintain their
identity with the culture of origin. This hypothesis was generally
supported. Compared to laterborn Nisei, firstborn Nisei were less
assimilated. For example, firstborn Nisei were more likely to live
in Japanese American neighborhoods, to use and learn Japanese language,
to have stronger Japanese family values, and to be Buddhist or Shinto.
Likewise, compared to laterborn Sansei, firstborns seemed to be more
informed and interested in Japanese values and culture and to have
more culturally traditional perspectives. Results support that, in
general, compared to laterborns, firstborns in both generations were
more traditionally "Japanese". Implications of these findings
for understanding acculturation are presented. Key words: acculturation, assimilation, birth order, Japanese |