Aboriginal and Mexican Heritage and Health Beliefs

Cultural Group: Native Americans

History

• Descendants of Paleo-Indians (Lithic stage);
• Cultural exchange with European travelers;
• Large tribes with unique culture;
• Deadly diseases due to colonization;
• Native Americans were migrating peoples.

Values/Worldview

• Wise use of natural resources;
• With respect to life experience (elderly);
• All-natural objects are sacred;
• The importance of generosity and honesty;
• Reduce the exploitation of nature.

Language/Communication

• Many communicate in English freely;
• Speak almost 200 indigenous languages;
• Navajo language – the most widespread;
• Language preservation efforts are taken;
• Do not have one protolanguage (Kinsey & Reed, 2015).

Art

• Colorful blankets and weapons decoration;
• Nature motifs and textile art;
• Traditional baskets made of grass;
• Beading is still extremely popular;
• Have numerous artistic storytelling traditions.

Norms/Rules

• Respect one’s clan and leaders;
• Traditional gender roles are emphasized;
• Subordination based on age differences;
• Hierarchical structures in the social organization;
• Respect the bodily integrity of others (Kinsey & Reed, 2015).

Lifestyle Characteristics

• Religious practices along with learning;
• Live in urban and rural areas;
• Emphasis on dignity, not wealth;
• Have many official tribal governments;
• Battle numerous stereotypes and myths.

Relationships/Rituals

• The sanctity of familial networks;
• The importance of family support;
• Use modern means of communication;
• Spiritual rituals (healing practices, festivals);
• Annual gatherings of large tribes.

Assimilation/Marginalization

• The assimilation degrees greatly vary;
• The majority live in urban areas;
• Underrepresented in business and sports;
• Many reservations across the USA;
• Still respect traditional art, beliefs.

Health Behaviors

• Value family support in treatment;
• Are sensitive to medical interactions;
• Often underutilize modern healthcare resources;
• High prevalence of pernicious habits (Cobb, Espey, & King, 2014);
• Use both traditional and alternative treatment.

Socio-Cultural Group: Mexican Heritage

History

• Partial Mexican annexation (the 1840s);
• The 1920s – mass immigration to the U.S.;
• Organized many movements against racism;
• >10% of the U.S. population;
• Were discriminated against legally and economically (Davis, Carlo, & Knight, 2015).

Values/Worldview

• Feel obliged to their families;
• Value unity and mutual help;
• Behavior: emotional intelligence and sincerity (Davis et al., 2015);
• Trust-based relationships are important;
• Great differences in religious views.

Language/Communication

• High degrees of linguistic diversity;
• Mexicans speak various second languages;
• The first language is Spanish;
• Recognize many languages (Nahuatl, etc.);
• Mexican Americans demonstrate linguistic assimilation.

Art

• Traditional poetry and music (Mariachi);
• Handcraft (vases and ceramic pots);
• Clothing items and wood crafts;
• “Artesanía” elements in modern art;
• Mat-making and weaved bags.

Norms/Rules

• Often support traditional gender roles;
• Regular family gatherings, family dinners;
• Older adults’ opinions are respected;
• Family issues outweigh business problems;
• Mutual respect and conflict avoidance.

Lifestyle Characteristics

• Respect traditional culture and art;
• Traditional celebrations, festivals, and rituals;
• Business customs (the length of meetings);
• I prefer family weekends to individual activities;
• Religious diversity in everyday life.

Relationships/Rituals

• The roles are clearly distributed;
• Hierarchies in less assimilated families;
• Traditional ceremonies or Christian rituals;
• Annual All Saints Day celebrations;
• Hosting parties with traditional food.

Assimilation/Marginalization

• Mexican Americans are usually well-assimilated;
• Religious assimilation – popular Christian traditions;
• Earn university degrees despite discrimination;
• Have many communities across the U.S.;
• May take well and low-paid jobs.

Health Behaviors

• Traditional gender roles – women as carers;
• Nutrition – may follow unhealthy diets;
• Underutilize mental healthcare services (Gonzalez, Applewhite, & Barrera, 2015);
• Family support to ill relatives;
• Significant risk factors for obesity (Nam, Al Snih, & Markides, 2017).

Comparison

Common and Different Characteristics

• Common: family unity and support;
• Common: female/male gender roles;
• Common: take culture preservation efforts;
• Differences: the degree of assimilation;
• Differences: the popularity of traditional treatments.

Healthcare Approaches

• Both: engage families in decision-making;
• M: consider religious beliefs before contacts;
• M: focus on nutrition consultations;
• NA: consider physical intimacy rules (direct eye contact, etc.);
• NA: consider accessories’ religious meaning.

References

Cobb, N., Espey, D., & King, J. (2014). Health behaviors and risk factors among American Indians and Alaska Natives, 2000–2010. American Journal of Public Health, 104(S3), S481-S489.

Davis, A. N., Carlo, G., & Knight, G. P. (2015). Perceived maternal parenting styles, cultural values, and prosocial tendencies among Mexican American youth. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 176(4), 235-252.

Gonzalez, J. M., Applewhite, S. R., & Barrera, I. (2015). Older Mexican Americans: Pathways to mental health service use. Social Work in Mental Health, 13(4), 390-414.

Kinsey, K., & Reed, P. G. (2015). Linking Native American tribal policy to practice in mental health care. Nursing Science Quarterly, 28(1), 82-87.

Nam, S., Al Snih, S., & Markides, K. (2017). The effects of chronic medical conditions and obesity on self-reported disability in older Mexican Americans. Texas Public Health Journal, 69(3), 12-15.