| Cambodian
Culture |
American
Majority Culture |
 |
| Family
is the foundation of the Khmer social structure. The
nuclear family has strong ties to the extended family
to include cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and
close friends.
Non-biological relatives may be considered part of
the family due to extreme losses from war. (Rhode Island
Department of Public Health, 2005).
|
The family
unit is very diverse but, generally, it tends to be small
and nuclear for the most part. Family members such as
the grandparents, parents and other relatives may live
in different parts of the country. |
Children
are brought up as an integral part of the family unit
and are expected to contribute to the overall welfare
of the entire family. |
Children are
not expected to contribute to the welfare of the whole
family. |
| Children are
indulged and welcomed. They participate in most adult
activities. Obedience is highly valued. |
Children have
separate activities from the adults. |
| Adult children
are expected to live at home until marriage. |
Adult children
are encouraged to leave the nuclear family and become
independent before marriage. |
| Interpersonal
relationships are important. Family, kinship and friendship,
all play a major role in both social and business interactions. |
Individualism
is encouraged. Self-reliance and independence is encouraged.
Interpersonal relationships are a lower priority than
merit in business interactions. |
Placing
elderly relatives in nursing facilities is unusual.
Elders are revered and frequently consulted on important
matters. |
It is common
practice to place frail elderly relatives in nursing facilities. |
| Allegiance
to superiors is important in work interactions. |
Merit is important
in business interactions. |
