The Vietnamese family: The refugee experience, acculturation, and the changing family dynamics

As a consequence of the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese were forced to escape their homeland through clandestine and treacherous escapes. Subsequently, many became displaced from their country and joined the diaspora of refugees worldwide. After surviving the harrowing ordeal at sea and a protracted stay in refugee camps, most Vietnamese eventually settled in many Western countries, particularly the United States. For some Vietnamese, their successful adjustment to the receiving countries was facilitated by their ability to speak English and their familiarity with Western culture. However, for many, their adaptation to their adopted countries was difficult due to different cultural values, a language barrier, and socioeconomic factors.; Although Vietnamese constitute the largest group of refugees ever to settle in the United States, research examining their acculturation to American society is miniscule. In hope of giving the reader a clearer understanding of the Vietnamese American experience, in this doctoral project I will examine the changing dynamics of Vietnamese families as a consequence of the refugee experience and acculturation to American society. I will examine the structure of the traditional Vietnamese family, the impact of the refugee experience, and psychological distress and symptoms that result from the experience of forced migration and subsequent difficulties in acculturation to American society. I hope that this project will provide the reader with comprehensive insight into Vietnamese families' experiences as they become acculturated to American society.