| This dissertation is a study of the adaptation of and socio-cultural change and continuity among Tibetan refugees of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It takes a cultural-ecological approach, utilizing the conceptual framework of adaptation operationalized by John Bennett. Data for the study were collected in the field in two surveys, and by participant observation and interviews.;The adaptation of Tibetan refugees in the Kathmandu Valley is found to be "successful", in that it has had desirable consequences for the refugees as well as their host society. A multitude of factors has been responsible for this, including substantial international assistance and liberal policies of the host society/government. Foremost among these factors has been the unique opportunity for the refugees to specialize in non-indigenous (i.e., non-Nepalese) economic activities in a rapidly-growing (tourist) market economy--especially the Tibetan carpet industry.;Change and continuity in Tibetan social relations, values and behavior are found side by side. Among them are the emergence of class stratification and subsequent development of a "spirit of capitalism"; the rise of mutual-aid associations followed by greater intra-ethnic group identity; Nepalization/Westernization among the younger generation; and, on the other side of the coin, the revival of Tibetan Buddhist momasticism and retention of traditional Tibetan family structure (the various forms of polygamy); and faith and pride in Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan ethnic identity. It is concluded that socio-economic forces, by and large, have been the underlying causal factors in both change and continuity.;This study also suggests that, while pan-Tibetan ethnic identity is strong and Tibetan nationalistic political goals are still prevalent, socio-economic forces (such as "privatization" of economic activities, education and socialization patterns of the young, and the political situation of Tibetans in the international context) are already rapidly ushering Tibetan refugees (at least those in the Kathmandu Valley) toward socio-economic and cultural integration with their host society. |
