Established and recent young maya immigrants: a paradox concerning their wellbeing

Abstract

In order to explain the positive or negative orientation towards health among Maya people residing in San Francisco, California, we draw on the oral histories of three juveniles from the state of Yucatan, who differentiate themselves concerning their time spent in the destination and the following social, cultural and economic consequences. For the young immigrant, Dante, who has been longer in San Francisco, and therefore is more assimilated to the American Way of life, it becomes more difficult to attain mental and emotional comfort; whilst Roberto, who just arrived five years ago, is more capable of dealing with cultural tension and consequently it is easier for him to adjust and achieve wellbeing. In this article we apply the concepts of social liminality and cultural negotiation. The case studies also illustrate the diverse ways in which immigrants avail themselves of a series of social resources, such as ties to family, religion, friendship and neighbors that allow them to achieve a relative emotional balance while dealing with the cultural tensions that prevail at their destination.