Hmong Refugee Economic Adjustment in a California Community.
Author(s):
Ukapatayasakul, Banjerd Bill
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : United States International University, 1983.
Pages:
176
Language:
English
Abstract:
The Problem. This study was conducted in order to learn about the economic adjustment of Hmong refugees living in a California community. Economic adjustment in this study refers to the welfare, occupation, job training, income and economic organization of the Hmong population under study. Method. The data were gathered from interviews with 50 Hmong--35 males and 15 females--who had lived in the community for at least six months, and who ranged in age between 18 and 55 years. For purposes of analysis, informants were divided into three age groups. The English and Thai languages were used to conduct the interviews in this study. Results. Results of the interviews indicated that the Hmong were relying heavily upon Welfare benefits to provide either full or partial financial support. Of the 50 Hmong interviewed, 43 were receiving Welfare. The lowest monthly income form Welfare was $90, the highest was $979, and the average was $453.02. In the future, when their term for Welfare eligibility expires, these Hmong may encounter financial difficulties. Moreover, of the 50 Hmong informants, only ten were employed. Their occupations included the following: printer, teacher, electronic machine operator, teacher aide, electronic assembler, jewelry maker, social service assistant, and social service employee. The lowest occupational income was $350, the highest was $960, and the average was $650.50. Deficiencies in English language proficiency and previous job training prevented many from securing employment. Of the 50 informants, five were also enrolled in skill training programs to prepare for jobs in auto mechanics, engine overhauling, or typing. Other of the informants expressed an intention to enter language and/or skill training programs in the near future. It was concluded that participation in such programs could prove essential to the future economic survival of this refugee population and that efforts to engage these people in agricultural types of work might also prove successful for the Hmong recently uprooted from their native agrarian culture.