article

The Hmong refugee community in San Diego: theoretical and practical implications of its continuing ethnic solidarity

Anthropological quarterly55 • Published In 1982 • Pages: 146-160

By: Scott, George Morgan.

Abstract
This is a study of the Hmong refugees in San Diego and how they have retained their traditional ethnicity despite strong assimilative forces that threaten to weaken it. These forces are partially external, coming from the mainline American cullture surrounding the Hmong, as well as internal, from their own leadership pressing for cultural change. To explain this assimilaion-contra-assimilation paradox, the author examines a number of factors in Hmong culture, both in the past and in the present, from the standpoint of various theoretical approaches relevant to the literature on ethnicity. 'An approach that addresses the interaction of primordial sentiments, structural conditions, and interest-based ethnic movements is best suited for this purpose, and an attempt is made to apply this understanding to the concerns of refugee policy makers and social service providers' (p. 146-A).
Subjects
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Acculturation and culture contact
Cultural identity and pride
Community structure
Private welfare agencies
culture
North American Hmong
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
North America
Sub Region
Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1991
Field Date
1979-1982
Coverage Date
1976-1981
Coverage Place
San Diego, California, United States
Notes
[by] George Morgan Scott, Jr.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 157-160)
LCSH
Hmong Americans