The second-generation Hmong American experience of acculturation, ethnic identity, and psychological well-being: A case study
Author(s):
Vang, Noah J.
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Capella University, 2015.
Pages:
172
Language:
English
Abstract:
The United States recruited thousands of Hmong people in Laos to fight against communist forces during the Vietnam War, known as the “Secret War.” After the United States withdrew from Vietnam, the Hmong people became targets of retaliation and persecution (Hamilton-Merritt, 1999, Tragic Mountains: The Hmong, The Americans, and the Secret Wars for Laos, 1942–1992). The United States had recognized the sacrifice made by the Hmong people to fight for the United States, began accepting Hmong refugees into the United States during the mid 1970’s (Warner, 1998, Shooting at the moon: The story of America’s clandestine war in Laos ). The Hmong have faced unique challenges and opportunities in their continued, uneven integration into contemporary twenty-first century American society. The present research study is a qualitative case study on the acculturation experiences of second- generation Hmong Americans. The experiences of Hmong-American participants provided psychological insight into their acculturation struggles. Acculturation of the second-generation Hmong American participants was examined through a lens of psychology and social psychology, through which the behavior of participants were interpreted, partially, as a response to and a coping with acculturation pressures. The research study finds that the role of the first-generation of Hmong immigrants has a mixed influence on the second-generation. On one hand, participants indicated a desire to carry Hmong language and traditions into the future; on the other hand, they professed a generally positive view of the personal freedoms, liberties, and latitude for personal expression granted them under mainstream American culture and values.