"The Quetzal in Flight "examines the motives for immigration of
Guatemalan families to the United States, and explores the
processes of psychological change and adaptation that take place
within the families during the early period of resettlement. Norita
Vlach interviews six families, illustrating how each family's
culture reflects its origins, decision to move, journey, and
settling-in process. Unique to this study are its focus on a
previously undocumented Central American population, the
demonstrated interrelation of historical-structural and
acculturation perspectives, and the use of the nuclear family as a
model with which to study the immigration process.
Following a discussion of migration and mental health and a
description of the historical and geographical context of migration
in Guatemala, Vlach briefly reviews literature in the field of
family studies and migration. The six case studies follow, each one
characterized as either centripetal (in which families pull
together to face the new world) or centrifugal (in which members
are disengaged and in conflict). The author summarizes how the
families cope under stressful circumstances, how they use
resources, and how they exhibit conflicting perceptions of both
Guatemala and the United States. The effect of civil war in
Guatemala, the role of the evangelical church, the consequences of
marital and family separation and reunification, and the
disquieting reaction of Guatemalan migrant youth to their
transplantation into the United States are all addressed. Vlach
concludes by discussing the implications for anthropological theory
and applied work. Although this study is specific to Guatemalan
families, its findings apply readily to recent immigrants and
refugees of other Latin American countries.
General
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