The Impact of Americanization on Intergenerational Relations: An Exploratory Study on the U.S. Territory of Guam

Barusch, Amanda Smith; Spaulding, Marc L. (1989). "The Impact of Americanization on Intergenerational Relations: An Exploratory Study on the U.S. Territory of Guam". The Journal of Sociology. 16 (3): 61–79. doi:https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1908 . ISSN 1440-7833.

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Abstract: In-depth interviews with a sample of 60 elderly from the indigenous (Chamorro) population and the immigrant (Filipino) population ex- amined their current lifestyles, with emphasis upon intergenerational relations. Results underscore the dramatic lifestyle changes experienced by Guam's elderly in the wake of Americanization. Among these is an intergenerational "language gap", wherein a majority of the grand- children do not speak the native language of their elders. Ethnicity, mixed marriage, and length of residence on Guam are discussed as possible determinants of the language gap. The language gap is asso- ciated with lower life satisfaction for elders, as well as reduced family contact and less intergenerational assistance.