Hispanic and White Family Values

In modern society, family has a role in different individuals lives. Family values can differ according to one's race. White families are often portrayed as nuclear, which consists of the mother, father, and children. Hispanics would include their extended family such as cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. This shows the importance of a good relationship with close relatives to Hispanics, but not Whites. Below are examples on how White American family culture differs from Hispanic American family culture.

At dinnertime in the average white family's home, the mother is expected to put food on the table for her kids and husband. Eating all together is preferred, but not required. This setting is commonly the place for family arguments or discussions. On the other hand, Hispanics invite their extended family who each bring dishes. They come together to share a meal and enjoy socializing with each other.


This clip from Boy Meets World shows the typical white family dinner with just immediate members and distractions that can occur.


This clip from The George Lopez Show portrays the typical Hispanic big family dinner.

The Household: The number of people in households can often vary according to race as well. The typical white home has a mother, father, and two children. Hispanics usually have more children and include relatives in their home. If the relatives do not actually live with them, they live near by. In contrast, we tend to see white extended families living all over the country.

This picture portrays the typical nuclear white family.

Values for a White Family: According to Aulette (1994), White Americans tend to have a strong sense of family loyalty with clearly defined marital and parental roles. Family activities are structured and planned, and life follows an anticipated pattern (Carter, 1991). http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-82259043.html

This picture portrays the typical extended Hispanic family.

Values for a Hispanic Family: Hispanics are reported to have an extended, tight-knit, supportive family system (Hurtado, 1995; Jones & Korchin, 1982). Familismo (familism), or a strong sense of commitment, obligation, and responsibility, exists among family members (Hurtado, 1995; Zayas, 1992). http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-82259043.html

Special events: These are celebrated differently between White American families and Hispanic Families. Hispanic families often come together to celebrate events such as: baptisms, weddings, graduations, birthday parties, and other important holidays. White American families usually tend to celebrate special events among themselves with just the immediate family. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5237.html

This picture portrays the small gathering of a White American family celebrating a child's birthday.

This picture portrays a Hispanic family celebrating a child's birthday party. If you notice the whole family comes together to celebrate.

The College Experience: College itself is filled with challenges and one of the challenges is trying to become independent on your own. White kids may go to college hundreds of miles away and go home to visit their family only on holidays or breaks. They would choose to see their friends over family on an average weekend. Hispanics have closer ties with their family. If they are not still living at home while going to college, they go home every other weekend. College students of Hispanic descent usually try not to stray away from home. If anything most Hispanics find it harder to leave home and choose to be educated at a college near by while living at home.

Here is a picture of a White college student calling home from college

Here is a picture of a Hispanic student who goes to college close to home

As you have received information through this blog, I hope we have left you with a better idea of the difference in cultures of the typical White American and Hispanic American families.