Pinoys and Fil-Ams: An Exploratory Study of Diversity within Filipino Youth Culture - Tapa blanda

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.

Yvette Yambao holds a a Master's degree in Social Work from San Francisco State University. She continues to serve the entire Westmoor High School student body (not just the Filipinos!). Her youth development philosophy is twofold: highlight their strengths - not deficits - and find hope in their profound resiliency. Yvette lives in the Bay Area.