The Hmong Refugee Community in San Diego: Theoretical and Practical Implications of Its Continuing Ethnic Solidarity
Author(s):
Scott, George M, Jr
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Anthropological Quarterly, Volume 55, Issue 3 (1982-07). pp. 146-160.
Language:
English
Abstract:
The Lao Hmong refugees in San Diego, Calif, have retained their traditional sense of ethnicity despite strong assimilative forces that threaten to weaken it. These forces are both external & internal in origin, the former being concentrated in the action of local social service providers & the latter existing as a rational, purposive strategy applied by the Hmong community leaders. The leaders, however, also join with their people in desiring the maintenance of ethnic solidarity. An explanation for this assimilation-contra-assimilation paradox is sought by examining factors in Hmong culture, both past & present, in the light of various theoretical approaches common in the literature on ethnicity. An approach that addresses the interaction of primordial sentiments, structural conditions, & interest-based ethnic movements is best suited for this purpose, & an attempt is made to apply this understanding to the concerns of refugee policymakers & social service providers. HA.