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Essay / Role of Asian Grandparents - 943
Making a generalization about Asian grandparents regarding traditions and customs is impossible. Traditions vary greatly from country to country. Many customs remain in Asian immigrant families, but some are replaced as immigrants are assimilated into their adopted culture. To study psychological phenomena cross-culturally, it is crucial to understand different family cultures around the world and how these families relate to the cultural characteristics of societies. The older generation plays an essential role in the sustainability of cultural characteristics. Grandparents play many roles in their grandchildren's lives, spoiling them, giving them attention and showering them with gifts. However, the most important roles of a grandparent go beyond providing benefits. Their most essential role is that of family historians, role models and mentors. They establish a connection with history, the importance of cultural heritage, the identity of family and oneself. In Japan and China, grandparents are very helpful members of the household and help relieve a lot of stress from parents. They actively participate in household chores as well as the education and care of children. Grandparents often take responsibility for teaching their grandchildren the native language and customs of their country of origin (Thomas 1994). Older generations retain their status as heads of household until a certain age, which varies according to occupation and other considerations, until they retire from working life. In the traditional multigenerational family, the grandfather gradually cedes his role to his sons. Initially, the grandfather entrusts the monetary responsibilities linked to the management of the family budget. After proving their responsibility, he later allows the son to become ...... middle of paper ...... e in the flow of wealth. Leaving parents to invest in their children and their education and grandparents to lose control over the means of production and tradition. Education and its value are the key to wealth, power and wisdom (Thomas 1994). The migration of younger generations in search of these objectives disrupts intergenerational dialogue and interactions. However, the Asian population places great importance on education, traditions are altered and are not celebrated as extensively due to the need to start building wealth again. Vacations are missed, watching a child grow up, important events and financial burdens push families away from each other. Fortunately, technology has made these moments accessible in the palm of your hand. Nevertheless, experiencing a loved one's special event in person touches the spirit in a different and life-enriching way..