Shifts in Hmong culture: Competing medical frameworks
Author(s):
Franzen-castle, Lisa; Smith, Chery
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Journal Of Immigrant And Minority Health, Volume 15, Issue 4 (2013-08). pp. 829-835.
Language:
English
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to examine how language contraction, acculturation, and perception of modernity impact medicinal practices among younger and older generations of Hmong. Focus groups were conducted with newly immigrated and well established Hmong adults ( n = 69) and children ( n = 68) in St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN, USA. Dominant themes were language contraction and cultural loss, with subthemes on household dynamics, the educational system, and Western versus traditional Hmong medicinal practices. As younger generations acculturate to the United States (US) environment, there is potential for a restructuring of their medical culture resulting in a loss or silencing of pertinent cultural information regarding traditional medicine and therapies. The information from this study will be useful for educators, community leaders and health professionals to better understand changes occurring within the Hmong culture as traditions and cultural practices acculturate to the US environment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)