Family Resource Management through Multicultural Lenses
Author(s):
Solheim, Catherine
Format:
Magazine article
Citation:
Report Of The National Council On Family Relations, Volume 53, Issue 2 (2008). pp. F1.
Language:
English
Abstract:
'In this article, a cultural orientation approach is used, which assumes that there are patterned principles in a culture which guide behavior. Western European cultural lenses generally include ideas of a linear-separable view of time (versus circular), a mastery-over-the-environment orientation (versus harmony with or subjugation to), and an individualistic view of resources (versus collectivist). So our textbooks instruct resource mangers to 'control their destiny, to determine the kind of life that will be most meaningful for them or to guard against drifting along, 'merely responding to life's demands' . . . Along with that mastery orientation comes a focus on the future. Good managers advise to plan for the future and delay gratification so that goals can be achieved. Thus, planning for retirement, preparing for the unexpected by building an emergency fund, setting and striving for long-term goals, all fit with a future time orientation and characterize good financial strategies in western European cultures and economies. In contrast, traditional Thais, grounded in Buddhist religious beliefs and characterized as having a more circular view of time, see themselves as living in harmony with nature and view resources in a collective rather than an individualistic sense. Based on this cultural orientation, they might exhibit very different behaviors related to money. The basis for resource 'ownership' is the extended family system; what's yours is mine and vice versa. The Buddhist belief that desiring something one does not have will lead to suffering might lead traditional Thais to be satisfied with what they have, not what they are lacking and therefore are driven to obtain . . . Additionally, the Thai concept of time is traditionally more circular than linear. It is less segmented and less apt to be viewed as a commodity to be spent, saved, or wasted, characteristic of the normative western European view of time'. When working with immigrant families as they integrate into the U.S. market economy, there is a need for a better understanding of family resource management in appropriate culture and economic contexts and in how best to help families acculturate where needed. The Hmong and Latinos have a mistrust of financial institutions because of economic and political instability in their countries of origin. They may avoid financial institutions, and they may also feel powerless and without choices. It is important to stress the safety of legitimate financial institutions and encourage them to ask questions and get information. Somali families are bound by Islamic law that does not allow the unfair charging or receiving of interest on loans based on the belief of economic justice between those who have and those who don't. Islam encourages using commodities to invest in the betterment of the community. Somali immigrants use a pooling strategy in which each person contributes a set amount of money weekly for a set number of weeks to buy what is needed. The second generation adults from these cultures have often acculturated and adopted behaviors that allow them to succeed in the U.S. economy. (LMC) (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)