Across Generations: Immigrant Families in America

by Nancy Foner (Editor)

Immigrants and their American-born children represent about one quarter of the United States population. Drawing on rich, in-depth ethnographic research, the fascinating case studies in  Across Generations examine the intricacies of relations between the generations in a broad range of immigrant groups from Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa and give a sense of what everyday life is like in immigrant families.Moving beyond the clich of the children of immigrants engaging in pitched battles against tradition-bound parents from the old country, these vivid essays offer a nuanced view that brings out the ties that bind the generations as well as the tensions that divide them. Tackling key issues like parental discipline, marriage choices, educational and occupational expectations, legal status, and transnational family ties, Across Generations brings crucial insights to our understanding of the United States as a nation of immigrants. Contributors: Leisy Abrego, JoAnn D'Alisera, Joanna Dreby, Yen Le Espiritu, Greta Gilbertson, Nazli Kibria, Cecilia Menjívar, Jennifer E. Sykes, Mary C. Waters, and Min Zhou  quot Throws a brilliant light on one of the most hidden aspects of the immigrant experience namely, the private but absolutely crucial relationships in the home between immigrant parents and their U.S.-reared children." Richard Alba, co-editor of Immigration and Religion in America & quot;This powerful volume brings together scholarship on immigrant parents and their children by some of the most original thinkers in the field." Pierrette Hondagneu-Sotelo, author of God's Heart Has No Borders & quot;This timely and enlightening volume opens a window on immigrant families from a wide range of countries and cultures, and vividly explores the nature of relationships between parents and children growing up between two worlds." ;Rub  G. Rumbaut, co-author of Immigrant America  Across Generations is effective  in providing a new depth and dimension to immigrants. With a rare glimpse into immigrant family life, Across Generations captures the voices of people who are straddling two worlds and two generations. The Indypendent

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[University of Chicago Magazine]

Nancy Foner, AM’68, PhD’71
Editor

From our pages (Sept–Oct/09): "The common view of assimilated children battling old-country parents oversimplifies intergenerational tensions in immigrant families, the contributors argue. Examining relationships within families and across immigrant groups and shifting sets of cultural expectations, the book offers not only a portrait of life in these immigrant families but also an understanding of how such diversity makes for a richer nation."