The United States vs. Japanese family, marriage, and kinship systems
Katelyn Parker
University of North Alabama
The United States
The average American family has classically been understood as a nuclear family with their extended family living separately. Today the archetypal nuclear family is still dominant; however, it can no longer be an exact social expectation. (Evason, American Culture, 2016)
Family Culture
In the United States more children are also being born to unwed mothers or teenagers as the stigma associated with premarital intercourse has diminished. Furthermore, more families are incorporating LGBTQI+ marriages. Thus, same-sex couples with children are becoming more common. As such, the traditional archetypal American family …show more content…
For example, many elderly Americans would rather live alone and be self-reliant than ‘burden’ the younger generations of their family by living with them. Similarly, most children feel an obligation not to financially drain their hard-working parents by remaining dependent on them as adults. Thus, parents expect their children to leave home within a few years of finishing high school. (Evason, american culture, 2016) When compared to other societies and cultures this is a major difference. Most other cultures seem to expect the younger generation to take care of the older one. In other words, the children would have an obligation to take care of their parents and/or …show more content…
In the earliest times, and certainly with the influence of China, ancestor worship was a strong and vibrant belief which made deceased real, active members of the family. Noble families, and families of the warrior class, placed great value and importance on their ancestors. (Nakasendo Way, n.d.)
The Japanese feel a heightened sense of belonging and loyalty to their family as interdependence is emphasized in the collectivist society. Individuals are expected to serve their family’s interest before their own and show preferential treatment to fellow family members. Furthermore, families also have a collective face in Japan. (Evason, 2016) The typical Japanese household follows the nuclear family model; however, the extended family is usually kept in close proximity and is visited often. Paternal grandparents may live with their family as they grow older, but Japan’s small living spaces usually limit multigenerational household situations. (Evason, 2016) Many Japanese parents are utterly devoted to their children’s success. They want their children to receive a good education and attend university. However, this is often expressed in a way that places heavy expectations on the child to excel to reach their parent’s aspirations – particularly in wealthier families. (Evason,
Katelyn Parker
University of North Alabama
The United States
The average American family has classically been understood as a nuclear family with their extended family living separately. Today the archetypal nuclear family is still dominant; however, it can no longer be an exact social expectation. (Evason, American Culture, 2016)
Family Culture
In the United States more children are also being born to unwed mothers or teenagers as the stigma associated with premarital intercourse has diminished. Furthermore, more families are incorporating LGBTQI+ marriages. Thus, same-sex couples with children are becoming more common. As such, the traditional archetypal American family …show more content…
For example, many elderly Americans would rather live alone and be self-reliant than ‘burden’ the younger generations of their family by living with them. Similarly, most children feel an obligation not to financially drain their hard-working parents by remaining dependent on them as adults. Thus, parents expect their children to leave home within a few years of finishing high school. (Evason, american culture, 2016) When compared to other societies and cultures this is a major difference. Most other cultures seem to expect the younger generation to take care of the older one. In other words, the children would have an obligation to take care of their parents and/or …show more content…
In the earliest times, and certainly with the influence of China, ancestor worship was a strong and vibrant belief which made deceased real, active members of the family. Noble families, and families of the warrior class, placed great value and importance on their ancestors. (Nakasendo Way, n.d.)
The Japanese feel a heightened sense of belonging and loyalty to their family as interdependence is emphasized in the collectivist society. Individuals are expected to serve their family’s interest before their own and show preferential treatment to fellow family members. Furthermore, families also have a collective face in Japan. (Evason, 2016) The typical Japanese household follows the nuclear family model; however, the extended family is usually kept in close proximity and is visited often. Paternal grandparents may live with their family as they grow older, but Japan’s small living spaces usually limit multigenerational household situations. (Evason, 2016) Many Japanese parents are utterly devoted to their children’s success. They want their children to receive a good education and attend university. However, this is often expressed in a way that places heavy expectations on the child to excel to reach their parent’s aspirations – particularly in wealthier families. (Evason,