Effects of gender and culture on the educational experience of Southeast Asian women in Fresno City College
Author(s):
Vakil-kapoor, Veena
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ed.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : University of San Francisco, 1995.
Pages:
387
Language:
English
Abstract:
People from Southeast Asia comprise as a predominant number of new immigrants in Fresno, California. Their influx has presented a serious challenge to the existing educational systems. Despite their continued efforts, Southeast Asians face difficulties in attaining their educational and economic goals. Southeast Asian women's needs and concerns are perhaps least well understood. Literature reviews revealed no studies on the effects of gender and culture on the education of Southeast Asian women. This case study research was undertaken to develop primary evidence which could then initiate improvement of the educational experiences of Southeast Asian students. Case study research methodology, after Yin (1994) was used in this study. The study explored and described the experiences of ten Southeast Asian women at Fresno City College. The primary source of information was open ended interviews that incorporated feminist and ethnographic techniques for interviewing. As determined by the participants, the study assessed factors that facilitate or impede their academic progress. An interview guide was developed to direct the interactions. The ten women sample was representative of four ethnic groups, including Hmong, Laotian, Vietnamese and Khmer. The findings indicate participant concerns regarding gender role conflict; parental anxiety about preservation of culture- sexual conduct- marital and in-law relationships. Their experiences reveal that family and ethnicity are sources of support as well as sources of oppression. Stresses related to academic performance and ethnic and gender discrimination were also evidenced. Participants expressed the desire to overcome these difficulties, provided there is support within their socio-cultural milieu or the educational system. Actually it is their inner strength and determination that sustains them.