The Hmong in Fresno: A study of Hmong welfare participation and self-sufficiency
Author(s):
Yang, Kou
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ed.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : University of California, Davis, 1995.
Pages:
141
Language:
English
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine factors contributing to welfare participation and self-sufficiency of the Hmong. Specifically, this study was to determine factors which influence Hmong welfare participants to remain on or to leave the welfare system. The literature review indicated that, despite their long history, oppression, and much hardship (K. Y. Yang, 1992; Quincy, 1988), the Hmong have always maintained a way of life that is characterized as being self-supported (Barney, 1957; Cooper, Tapp, Lee & Schwoer-Kohl, 1991; D. Yang, 1993), resourceful, proud. independent (Lewis & Lewis, 1984; Whitaker, Barth, Berman, Heimann, MacDonald, Martindale & Shinn, 1972), and adaptable (D. Yang. 1993; Ranard, 1988). They have, however, experienced many changes in the last four decades, especially during the Secret War in Laos, which was from the early 1960s to 1975, and its impacts (Chagnon & Rumpf, 1983; D. Yang 1993; K. Yang, 1991: Tapp. 1989; Wagner, 1995). Many Hmong began to receive aid and support during the Secret War (Tapp, 1986; Wagner, 1995; Whitaker, et at., 1972) and during their subsequent stay in the refugee camps in Thailand (Chongvatan, 1988: Ranard, 1988). Some literature suggested that the experience of receiving aid and support, during the Secret War and its subsequent stay in the refugee camps, preconditioned the Hmong to have high rates of, and long term, welfare participation (K. Yang 1994; Pulaski. 1994b). This study identified ten factors selected from the review of literature to be examined. These ten factors were Gender, Age, Marrying at young age, Family size, Living in a ghetto, Years of education, Vocational skills, Employment history, English proficiency, and Length of time in the U.S. Overall, the findings indicated that factors other than those of this study need to be examined. The recommendations from this study included: (1) A comparative study of characteristic differences between members of the Hmong community in Fresno with several other Hmong self-sufficient communities in the nation might explain the high rate of welfare participation of the Hmong in Fresno. Such a study should include economic factors as well. (2) Further recognition that the Hmong are group-oriented people, from preliterate society and that their welfare participation and self-sufficiency are complex issues, therefore social service programs designed to assist the Hmong should be group oriented: multi-approach programs should be developed to meet the diversified needs of each individual Hmong welfare participant as well as the needs of the whole family.