The Educational Experiences and Cultural Identity of Second Generation Lao and Hmong American Men in California's Central Valley
Author(s):
Phannaphob, Thianchayphet
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ed.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : California State University, Fresno, 2018.
Pages:
136
Language:
English
Abstract:
Education is the foundation of success for second-generation Southeast Asians and is the greatest factor for higher wages (Sakamoto & Woo, 2007). The second-generation of most immigrant groups are reported to have higher educational, life aspirations and attainment than their parents (Phommasa, 2016). In California’s Central Valley (hereafter “Central Valley”), the educational trend for second-generation Lao and Hmong American men do not reflect those findings of higher educational aspirations or attainment. This qualitative study explored the educational experiences and cultural identity of 28 second-generation Lao and Hmong-American men in the Central Valley. Five main themes emerged, which are: a) the Telemachus Effect, b) racism, c) environment during the formative years , d) educational experiences, and e) American born identity. The researcher found that all of the five emergent themes have several subthemes, such as: (1) the Orestes Effect (siblings/peers), (2) whiteness/ being whitewashed and Asian tension, (3) neighborhood and crime, and trauma, (4) ESL & GATE, lost & leaving school and completing & returning to school, and (5) cultural preservation, cultural rejection, masculinity & gender role expectations, and gender role expectations of a spouse. This study concludes with a need for future academic research and practice.