Faculty Articles

“Ayiti Cheri” cultural orientation of early adolescents in rural Haiti

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

The Journal of Early Adolescence

ISSN

1552-5449

Publication Date

10-7-2013

Keywords

cultural maintenance, globalization, remote acculturation, family obligations, Caribbean

Abstract

Adolescents are an emerging population in Haiti, particularly after the deadly 2010 earthquake. The steady penetration of U.S. culture into this poor, disaster-prone country begs the question, Do today’s adolescents possess a similar fondness for their home country, culture, and traditional family values as did Haitians of old? Or are they more oriented toward U.S. culture? Early adolescents (N = 105, 52% female, M = 12.87 years, SD = .86) in rural Haiti reported their cultural orientation toward Haitian culture and U.S. culture as well as their family obligations beliefs. Findings revealed high Haitian orientation, very high family obligations (boys especially), and very low U.S. orientation, although adolescents who interacted more frequently with U.S. tourists and those who consumed more U.S. fast food had higher U.S. culture orientation. Despite severe challenges, rural Haitian early adolescents demonstrate remarkable allegiance to their home country, culture, and traditional family values.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0272431613503214

Volume

34

Issue

5

Peer Reviewed

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