Abstract
The purpose of this research is to examine how ethnic identity (which includes, cultural, familial, and national elements, among others) is shaped within a subgroup of young Hmong men in a mid-sized city in California. The study employs in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews focusing on the early life histories of approximately twenty male participants, all of whom are over eighteen years old. These early life histories are the data upon which grounded theory methods of qualitative data analysis are used to analyze how ethnic acculturation and culture conflict influence ethnic identity within this subgroup. This chapter gives a brief background to the history of the Hmong in Laos and their efforts in the Secret War in Laos. Additionally, the chapter outlines resettlement in the United States and the conflicts the Hmong have experienced while living here. The chapter begins in the mid 1950s and concludes to the present day issues that the Hmong experience on a daily basis. The data were collected from interviews with twenty participants. The qualitative data analysis was adapted from grounded theory. In effect, the data show that the participants viewed themselves as more American than Hmong. This chapter discusses the literature related to culture conflict as well as implementing Vigil’s (1998) multiple marginality theory to Hmong gangs and what can be done in the future for a better understanding of this Hmong subculture. The main concerns for the future is that there are few qualitative case studies on Hmong youth gang members. Future research on Hmong youth gang members will pave the way for a better understanding of the reasons and causes of why Hmong youths choose to join gangs.