The acculturation gap is the changing set of values and culture between a child and parent or guardian.
Acculturation occurs when a person adapts into a new culture and learns its language, values, and traditions.
Higher conflict than normal is shown in Indian-American, Soviet-American, and Vietnamese-American families where the acculturation gap exists.
[2] Researchers found that the acculturation gap between East Asian-American generations is negatively correlated with parent-youth relationships.
Studies have shown that higher levels of acculturation correlate with delinquency—the existence of a gap can increase the likelihood of children participating in deviant behaviors.
[1] Studies with Mexican-American youth and parents also reflect similar data that remains inconclusive.
The study notes that in the American Southwest, Mexican culture is prevalent and the close proximity to Mexico may play a role in the results.
However, one study has found that there is a link between Hispanic adults that have low acculturation rates and an increased risk of poor low-density lipoprotein cholesterol control.
[8] Confounding variables (such as income and stability) exist in evaluations that connect the acculturation gap and family conflict.
Immigrants parents in the United States typically have longer work days and are away from their children more.