Immigrant culture and housing provision, examining the nexus: A case study of the ACTS Landmark Housing Program and its Hmong participants
Author(s):
Dearborn, Lynne M.
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, 2004.
Pages:
493
Language:
English
Abstract:
The 2000 U.S. Census indicates legal immigrants have reached a record population of 31.1 million. Data suggest growth will continue, significantly impacting housing markets. To better understand the residential choices of immigrants in U.S. housing markets, this dissertation tests the premise that residential choice results from the interaction of residential goals, and constraints and facilitators, and investigates the assertion that residential goals grow out of deeply held cultural ideals, residential experiences and short-term demands. This qualitative case study of the ACTS Landmark Housing Program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and immigrants Hmong homeowners within the program, investigates three research questions: (1) What are the short-term residential goals and long-term residential ideals of Hmong Landmark participants; are those goals and ideals linked to cultural characteristics and experiences? (2) What specifically has facilitated homeownership for Hmong households who have become owners through the Landmark Housing Program? (3) What are the outcomes of Hmong residential choice taking place within the Landmark Housing Program; what are the behavioral and attitudinal consequences of those outcomes? This study used participant observation, depth interviews, and archival data within the program and semi-structured interviews within 42 immigrant homeowner households; additionally, physical conditions, activities and behaviors were observed and documented. Qualitative data analysis used “explanation-building”-type pattern matching; resulting patterns address three areas of residential choice: (1) inputs, (2) choice and (3) outcomes. This study reveals six Hmong cultural characteristics that influence residential choice inputs: (1) large household size, (2) extended-family household structure, (3) strong kinship ties, (4) Hmong traditional religion, (5) Hmong desire to maintain ethnic identity and (6) swidden agriculturalists. The study identifies five conditions Hmong study participants have experienced that influence Hmong participants' residential choice inputs: (1)economic marginality, (2) feeling unsafe because of crime, (3) discrimination, and (4&5) lack of control over use and physical quality of residential environments. Hmong informal networks and Landmark program staff are primary direct facilitators of Hmong homeownership within this program. Environmental quality profiles link each study participant's goals with outcome assessments. Study findings reveal: (1) potential to identify and exploit strengths within immigrant cultures to improve housing provision and quality, (2) ways to increase facilitation of immigrant homeownership, and (3) increased insights concerning cultural change within residential contexts.