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A Phenomenological Study of Hmong Women's Experience

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A Phenomenological Study of Hmong Women's Experience ABSTRACT A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF HMONG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCE WITH FORCED MARRIAGE IN THE HMONG CULTURE This exploratory qualitative research study utilizes feminist standpoint theory and shame cultures to explore the experience of Hmong women who married young by force of the family, due to a situation that is considered taboo in the Hmong culture. Three situational taboos were considered in this study: (a) premarital pregnancy, (b) bringing the girl home later than the parent(s) liking, and (c) visiting the girl without parental knowledge. Semi-structured interviews with five Hmong women residing in the Central Valley of California were conducted. This study is guided by the principles of hermeneutic phenomenology as described by Van Manen (as cited in Creswell, 2007) and Creswell (2007). Three themes emerged in the study: shame, freedom, and resilience. Findings indicate that shame and the value placed on saving face in the Hmong culture were contributing factors to their forced marriage. Paj Tshiab Vang May 2013 A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF HMONG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCE WITH FORCED MARRIAGE IN THE HMONG CULTURE by Paj Tshiab Vang A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work in the College of Health and Human Services California State University, Fresno May 2013 APPROVED For the Department of Social Work Education We, the undersigned, certify that the thesis of the following student meets the required standards of scholarship, format, and style of the university and the student's graduate degree program for the awarding of the master's degree. Paj Tshiab Vang Thesis Author Kris Clarke (Chair) Social Work Education Virginia Rondero Hernandez Social Work Education Bee Yang Social Work Education For the University Graduate Committee: Dean, Division of Graduate Studies AUTHORIZATION FOR REPRODUCTION OF MASTER’S THESIS X I grant permission for the reproduction of this thesis in part or in its entirety without further authorization from me, on the condition that the person or agency requesting reproduction absorbs the cost and provides proper acknowledgment of authorship. Permission to reproduce this thesis in part or in its entirety must be obtained from me. Signature of thesis author: ACKNOWLEDGMENTS As I sit here making a list of the people whom I would like to thank, I have yet to believe that the completion of my thesis has become a reality. The idea appeared so farfetched when I started my graduate program at Fresno State. Yet, here am I and I am happy to say that I still have my sanity. Although I honestly thought that I was going to lose it at times. First and foremost, my deepest gratitude goes to my parents, my father, Tooj Zhe Vaj and my mother, Paib Yaj. Their unconditional love and support have guided me through my academic endeavors and they continue to be my motivation in my successes in life. I am forever thankful to them for allowing me to do what my heart desires and pushing me to take advantage of the opportunities that were not available to them. They are stronger than I will ever be and I only hope to be as strong willed as them someday. I would also like to thank my older sister, Jennifer, for believing in me and encouraging me to continue with my education. Though she may not know it, her life experiences have impacted me immensely. From them I have learned how to be strong and independent and that my voice and my happiness are important. To my two brothers, Keycy and Jaycy, who continue to motivate me to do what makes me happy. They never judge me and accept and love me for who I am no matter what. I cannot thank my significant other, Hue, enough for his endless love and support. Especially in the past two years that I have been in the graduate program. During this journey, his patience and small gestures to make my life less stressful meant more to me than he will ever know. Thank you so much for putting up with me when I cried and complained. You were my biggest support. I love you. v v To my thesis committee members: Dr. Kris Clarke, Dr. Virginia Rondero Hernandez, and Bee Yang. Thank you for your encouraging words, persistent support, and mentorship. I am forever grateful for your time and patience. The guidance and support I received from you provided me with the tools I needed to successfully complete this thesis. Lastly, I would like to express a big thank you to the participants in this study. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. This thesis would not have been possible without you. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................ 1 Overview of the Study ...................................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem .................................................................................. 1 Statement of the Objectives and Research Questions ....................................... 3 Significance to Social Work ............................................................................. 4 Chapter Summary .............................................................................................. 5 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................. 6 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 6 Hmong Culture .................................................................................................. 6 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................... 13 Conceptualization of Forced Marriage in Western Societies ......................... 25 Empirical Research ......................................................................................... 34 Gaps in the Literature ...................................................................................... 40 Chapter Summary ............................................................................................ 41 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY .......................................................................... 43 Research Design .............................................................................................. 43 Data Collection ................................................................................................ 44 Data Analysis .................................................................................................. 44 Participants ...................................................................................................... 44 Methodological Limitations ............................................................................ 47 Chapter Summary ............................................................................................ 47 CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION .................................................... 49 Research Participants ...................................................................................... 50 vii vii Page Emergent Themes ............................................................................................ 51 Chapter Summary ............................................................................................ 61 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION ............................................................................... 62 Discussion of Findings .................................................................................... 62 Limitations ...................................................................................................... 67 Implications for Social Work Practice ............................................................ 67 Recommendations for Future Research .......................................................... 68 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 71 APPENDICES ........................................................................................................ 77 APPENDIX A: RESEARCH INSTRUMENT....................................................... 78 APPENDIX B: RESEARCH INFORMATION FLYER ....................................... 81 APPENDIX C: CONSENT FORM ........................................................................ 83 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Overview of the Study The practice of forced marriage in Western cultures is uncommon and very little research has been conducted to examine how forced marriage is understood and experienced in cultures that practice it. The goal of this exploratory qualitative research study is to provide an understanding of the lived experience of Hmong women who married young by force of the family, due to a situation that is considered taboo in the Hmong culture. The researcher seeks to gain an understanding of the lived experience of Hmong women and how they perceive and understand forced marriage, not only in their individual lives but in the Hmong culture as well. Gaining the perspectives of those who have experienced forced marriage provides a cultural perspective on the practice of forced marriage. It also enlightens people’s knowledge of and understanding of forced marriage in a broader context. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, this study examines a context that has been underrepresented in the study of the experience of early marriage in Hmong women. The researcher utilizes feminist standpoint theory and shame cultures as frameworks for the study. Statement of the Problem According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the
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