Change and choice: Hmongs' identification with a homeland
Author(s):
Moua, Tony Tubtooj
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Psy.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Alliant International University, Fresno, 2007.
Pages:
123
Language:
English
Abstract:
Hmongs have migrated for several thousands of years from China to Vietnam, to Laos, to Thailand, to the U.S.A., and other Western countries. From generation to generation informal discussions of the acceptance or rejection of a homeland among different Hmong generations remain a question. Different Hmong generations have formed different opinions and have diverse beliefs. Some Hmongs believe that whichever country one is born in, that is the country one should call one's homeland. Some Hmongs believe that whichever country in which one can assimilate and prosper is the country one should call one's homeland. Some Hmongs suggest that Hmongs have no homeland yet. Utilizing a survey questionnaire, quantitative data for the research study were gathered from 100 Hmong participants within five different generations. All of the participants resided in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California, U.S.A. This study attempted to answer the research question: Among five generations, have the Hmongs accepted or rejected the United State of America (U.S.A.) as their homeland? Other choices of a homeland included in this research were China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. The findings indicated that 89% of the G.I., the Silent, the Baby Boomer, and the Thirteenth or X generations identified their homeland as the U.S.A. and responded that they had been welcomed and accepted into the country and assimilated. One percent of Hmongs identified China as their homeland, and 1% believed Hmongs had no homeland; 7% of Hmongs identified Laos as their homeland, and 2% of Hmongs identified Thailand as their homeland, hoping to return to Laos when the Laotian government welcomes them back. One hundred percent of the Millennial or Y generation identified the U.S.A. as their homeland. This study sought to determine whether or not the different generations of Hmongs identified with a homeland, specifically the U.S.A. Until further research is completed, the results of this initial study provide the Hmongs and non-Hmongs with research-based information regarding the acceptance or rejection of a homeland among five different Hmong generations residing in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. The study will assist in validating or disconfirming perceptions and beliefs that have been created and have existed over time regarding the Hmongs' homeland.