An ecological investigation of Hmong refugees' participation experiences in multiethnic communities
Author(s):
Goodkind, Jessica R.
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
M.A.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Michigan State University, 1999.
Pages:
190
Language:
English
Abstract:
The number of refugees in the world continues to increase rapidly. Once resettled, refugees struggle to adjust to life in a new place while overcoming past traumas. Unreceptive communities often exacerbate this adjustment process. Therefore, it is important to understand the processes through which refugees can become integrated and accepted into their new communities. One important vehicle is community participation (e.g., Jong, 1989). In order to promote the community involvement of one refugee group and understand their unique challenges and experiences, an ecological investigation of participation which considered the contextual conditions within a particular setting (three multiethnic housing developments) and the characteristics of specific community members (54 Hmong refugees) was conducted. Interviews with quantitative and qualitative components revealed that Hmong residents participated both formally and informally in their communities and valued it highly, but that their involvement was limited. They were excluded from most meaningful avenues of participation because of multiple barriers, including language differences, time constraints, discrimination, and a lack of awareness of existing opportunities. No supports to address these issues existed in their communities. Implications for the Hmong, refugee adjustment, and participation in multiethnic communities are discussed.