Yambao, Y: Pinoys and Fil-Ams

This is an exploratory study of the cultural differences between recent immigrant Filipino youth ("Pinoys") and American born or Americanized Filipinos ("Fil-Ams"). While this difference results in occasional conflicts, it generally takes the form of avoidance and negative perceptions toward the other group. Both groups experience intergenerational tension and may struggle with acculturation or assimilation. However, they experience these psychosocial issues differently. Immigrant Filipino youth face a difficult adjustment to their adopted country including academic problems, while their American born and Americanized counterparts face a cultural identity crisis. Survey data were collected from 55 Filipino students from one Daly City, California high school. Their responses will help inform social work practice with the Filipino population in the United States and will address issues of cultural competence when practicing social work interventions.