The impact of culture on the education of Hmong men

Abstract

The intention of this study was to try to identify the barriers and cultural influences of Hmong culture on Hmong men who are seeking higher education in the United States. Participants were recruited from one Midwestern university. Eighteen Hmong men participated in semi-structured interviews. The research examined Hmong culture in the United States, gender and culture expectations, the role of education in assimilation, and Hmong men's pursuit of higher education. The main challenges participants described for succeeding in higher education were lack of direction/guidance, money, study habits, time management, and motivation. All of these obstacles link back to family disadvantages and cultural influences.