rom that of the United States and that one of the key concepts in the thinking of immigrants is their idea of life chances. When they come to the United States, they tend to bring their concept of life chances (possibilities, opportunities, success) with them into a different context (p. 170). This creates conflicts.
There are also conflicts in terms of specific family values. While American culture tends to value personal success, achievement, glory, and financial gain above all else, Mexican culture, or more traditional cultures, tend to value security, trust, continuity, and community. They are more focused on the family than on the individual. Thus, according to Valdes, what is worth doing are those actions which create reciprocal relationships that contribute to the advancement of the family unit (p. 172). This might have nothing to do with education, or achieving academic honors. It is a more communitarian approach that emphasizes family and living much as one's ancestors have lived. T
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