Loss in the Lives of Southeast Asian Elders: A Critical Reevaluation of Family Life Education
Author(s):
Parker, Marcie
Format:
Conference presentation
Publisher:
1998.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Draws on human ecology, continuity, & loss theory in a qualitative analysis of domains of loss experienced by Southeast Asian elders who have resettled in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Analysis of extensive life-history narratives obtained from 5 men & 5 women in each of four cultural groups -- Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, & Vietnamese -- reveals four domains of loss: loss of a way of life, loss of key relationships, role loss, & fears about the loss of cultural heritage & cultural transmission to younger generations. An ecological spiral model is proposed as one way to understand how Southeast Asian elders experience family life. Implications for theory & the practice of family life education in the community are examined.