Acculturation, Ethnic Identity, and Marriage Among Asian Indians: An Intergenerational Perspective

This qualitative study examines the intergenerational process of acculturation, mate selection and identity development among Asian Indians in India and the United States. The study indicates that young adults in the United States have adopted bicultural identities while young adults in India identified closely with their Indian heritage. Similar results were found for parents in both cultures. Interestingly, Asian Indians residing in India indicated a gradual shift in their ethnic identification towards a more bicultural and western identity. Young adults in both cultures indicated a growing preference for the western model of self selection in marriage. Parents of young adults however are more reluctant to give up traditional Hindu values, attitudes, and practices related to marriage. Issues affecting family life of Asian Indian immigrants are explored.