Equity & Excellence In Education, Volume 27, Issue 2 (1994-09). pp. 36-44.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Interviews with 23 Hmong males & females (ages 15-60) in WI & MN on childrearing practices, social customs, educational values, & family communication, & with 100+ educators show that the Hmong sort into 3 cultural groups: older Hmong focused on Laotian traditions, young adults trying to integrate the two cultures, & children with no experience with the Laotian culture. The primary ideological conflict between Hmong & US culture is the emphasis on the family/clan vs individual freedom. In addition, the Hmong have more clearly defined gender-role expectations than found in US culture, but the younger Hmong support more education for women & smaller families. Hmong parents & US educators differ on the value of parent-teacher conferences, the use of corporal punishment, rote vs discovery learning strategies, & homework. Hmong parents want to preserve their language & culture, but this puts their children at a disadvantage in US schools. 20 References. M. Pflum