Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies
Volume 14, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 26-45

Learning to Navigate the New World: Korean-Immigrant Parental Expectations and Challenges in the United States (Article)

Lee J.* , Donlan W.“. , Clark-Shim H. , Kim J. , Bank L.
  • a School of Social Work, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States
  • b School of Social Work, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States
  • c Regional Research Institute for Human Services, School of Social Work, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States
  • d School of Social Work, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
  • e Regional Research Institute for Human Services, School of Social Work, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States

Abstract

Korean-American immigrant parents participated in one of four focus groups addressing their parental expectations and challenges. While Korean-immigrant parents differed in level of identification with U.S. culture, they retained much of their Korean cultural identities. Findings demonstrate the complex nature of parental expectations and challenges. Challenges went beyond the obvious difficulties with a new language, as feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness were prevalent. There were concerns about cultural differences, a lack of knowledge about those differences, and how they might negotiate important life venues. Community practitioners need to learn culturally competent ways of implementing services to this population. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Parental expectations Asian-American immigrant parents Asian-American youth ESL parental challenges culturally responsive parent training Depression

Index Keywords

young population Asian immigrant language United States cultural identity
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84961211007&doi=10.1080%2f15562948.2015.1009608&partnerID=40&md5=5dda2dc4ce7c9be419255efc84ed6f89
DOI: 10.1080/15562948.2015.1009608
ISSN: 15562948
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English