Ethnicity and the Force of Faith: Christian Conversion among Khmer Refugees
Author(s):
Smith-hefner, Nancy J
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Anthropological Quarterly, Volume 67, Issue 1 (1994-01). pp. 24-37.
Language:
English
Abstract:
While the incidence of conversion to Christianity among Khmer refugees in the US is negligible by comparison with the rates reported among such Southeast Asian refugee groups as the Hmong, there is a notable tendency toward strict religious orthodoxy among those Khmer who do convert. Based on ethnographic research among Khmer refugees in the metropolitan Boston (MA) area, it is explored why some Khmer convert despite the strong association of Khmer identity with Theravada Buddhism. Also examined are sociocultural forces that encourage some converts to adopt orthodox attitudes toward their new religion. The long-term impact of Christian conversion on Cambodian-American identity, class stratification, & assimilation to US culture is considered. 48 References. Adapted from the source document.