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

Authors

Junghee Lee, Portland State UniversityFollow
William Donlan, Portland State UniversityFollow
Hyuny Clark-Shim, Portland State UniversityFollow
Jangmin Kim, Indiana University
Lew Bank, Portland State UniversityFollow

Published In

Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies

Document Type

Citation

Publication Date

2-17-2016

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.

Locate the Document

https://doi.org/10.1080/15562948.2015.1009608

DOI

10.1080/15562948.2015.1009608

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/18875

Citation Details

Lee, J., Donlan, W. T., Clark-Shim, H., Kim, J., & Bank, L. (2016). Learning to Navigate the New World: Korean-Immigrant Parental Expectations and Challenges in the United States. Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, 14(1), 26-45.