Nature Of Spirituality Religion Many Chinese example essay topic

I. Introduction II. Historical / Immigration Patterns 1840 Chinese laborers came to US for jobs; many employed to work on railroads. 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act- suspended immigration of Chinese to America. 1924 National Origins Quota Act- annual quota = 105 Chinese.

1965 National Origins Quota Act abolished. By 1970, US Chinese population increased by 84 percent.. Cultural Assessment Analysis A. World View a. Why Things Happen "Early Chinese beliefs seem to have been polytheistic and animistic", which means that spirits were thought to be active in every aspect of nature and the human world. Good spirits brought health, wealth, long life, and fertility. Bad spirits caused accidents and disease (Molloy 1999, pages 189-201). b.

Nature of Man The nature of man is a harmony of body, mind, and spirit. c. Nature of Time Being on time is not valued by traditional Chinese societies. d. Nature of Space Disturbance of nature, such as droughts and earthquakes, were punishments from spirits for human failings, but harmony could be restored through rituals and practice. e. Nature of Spirituality / Religion Many Chinese are Buddhist. Catholic and Protestant religions are also common.

It is common for Chinese families to honor their ancestors, especially during major holidays such as Chinese New Year. - Taos im- seeks to promote the inner peace of individuals and harmony with surroundings. - Confucianism- based on the teachings and writings of the philosopher Confucius. It is an ethical belief rather than a religion, and is based upon the concept of relationships.

- Buddhism- the origins are to be found in India. Buddha, also known as the enlightened one, teaches that desires are the source of pain, and that overcoming our desires we can overcome pain. B. Social Relations a. Roles - Role of the laboring woman during birth process- "Although Chinese are stoic in nature, it is acceptable for Chinese woman to exhibit pain by moaning, etc., during childbirth" (Mo 1992, page 260). - Role of the father and other family members during birth process- "Usually female family members present during birth process. Father and other male members do not normally play active role" (Mo 1992, page 260). - Sick role- "Family is expected to take care of the patient, and the patient takes a passive role in his / her illness" - Caring role- "caring role is usually the responsibility of a female in the household (mother, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law) " b.

Status c. Group Membership d. Friendship e. Family Extended families are common in this culture where two or three generations live in the same household. The wife is expected to become part of the husband's family. f. Communication Patterns Cantonese and Mandarin are the two major dialects.

Ability to speak or read varies with individuals. Elderly Chinese (especially women) may be unable to read or write. Eye contact and touching are more common among family members and close friends. However, eye contact is avoided with authority figures as a sign of respect.

Keeping respectful distance is recommended. In addition, asking questions is seen as disrespectful. On the other hand, silence may be viewed as a sign of respect. C. Activity a. Activity (What does "doing" mean to people in this culture?) b. Pace of Life c. Important Goals in Life d.

Decisions Chinese culture is a patriarchal society, which means the oldest male makes the decisions in the family. e. Problem Solving In Chinese culture, males usually are more highly respected and valued than females. The spokesperson and decision maker is usually the oldest male in the household. Therefore, the problem solving is usually the task of the oldest male in the household. f. Nature of Learning g. Nature of Work h.

Meaning of Food Food is viewed as important in maintaining balance of Yin (cold) and Yang (hot) in the body. Imbalance of Yin and Yang is believed to cause illness. Food is also use to treat illness and disease. Patients may refuse certain foods due to beliefs about illness and which foods should be use to treat it. D. Motivation a.

Motivating Forces b. Social Controls E. Health Practices a. Beliefs about Health Health is viewed as maintaining balance between Yin and Yang influences, not only in the body but in the environment. Harmony with body, mind, and spirit is important in Chinese culture. Also, Chinese health practices vary according to length of time in US. Three major groups and health practices are: - Early immigrants-immigrated 40-60 years ago, strongest believers in Chinese folk medicine.

- Newer immigrants-immigrated in the past 20 years, combine both Chinese Folk and Western Medicine practices. - First and second generation Chinese Americans-mostly oriented to Western Medicine. b. Beliefs about Illness Most physical illnesses are caused by the imbalance of Yin and Yang in the body. Mental illness on the other hand, is thought to be caused by a lack of harmony of emotions. In some cases, mental illness is thought to be caused by evil spirits.

Genetic defects are usually blamed on the mother which is generally something she did or ate. c. Beliefs about Authorities Elders are very respected and honored. Males are usually highly respected and valued than females. IV.

Interview V. Holistic factors affecting the wellness of Chinese - The American Cancer Society reports that Chinese have the highest incidence rate for liver cancer among all US racial / ethnic populations.