urbanization, acculturation, and extended family ties: Mexican Americans in cities

In a study of extended familism among Mexican Americans and Anglo Americans in three southern California cities, the Mexican Americans were found to have more kin in town, more frequent interaction with nearby relatives, and more exchange of mutual aid with kin. There is no indication that the traditional Mexican‐American extended family breaks down with urbanization, acculturation, or socioeconomic mobility. It is suggested that discrimination by the Anglo majority reinforces kin ties among Mexican Americans.