ABSTRACT

Coming of age as a recently resettled refugee from Burma poses unique opportunities and challenges in navigating dissimilar norms and expectations of family, culture, and the new host environment. Understanding these experiences and how they are interpreted by young adults can provide insight into the mechanisms through which this segment of the resettled refugee community can be supported and encouraged. The present study used semi-structured interviews to gain insight into the resettlement experiences of refugee young adults from Burma. The sample consisted of 14 Karen young adult refugees from Burma who had been resettled to a large urban city in the southwestern United States for at least 5 years. Data analysis revealed five major themes: (1) cultural pride; (2) filial obligation; (3) community commitment; (4) contrast; and (5) resettlement challenges. In sum, the young adult participants in this study had positive outlooks about their circumstances and were forward-thinking in their aspirations, particularly as they related to educational and career goals. Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural traditions and ethnic community connections throughout the resettlement experience as a mechanism through which challenges and obstacles can be overcome.

摘要

作为一名最近从缅甸重新安置的难民，成年后在应对不同的家庭、文化和新东道环境的规范和期望方面带来了独特的机遇和挑战。了解这些经历以及年轻人如何解读这些经历，可以深入了解支持和鼓励这部分重新安置难民社区的机制。本研究使用半结构化访谈来深入了解来自缅甸的年轻难民的重新安置经历。样本包括 14 名来自缅甸的克伦族年轻成年难民，他们已在美国西南部的一个大城市重新定居至少 5 年。数据分析揭示了五个主要主题：（1）文化自豪感；（二）孝道；(3) 社区承诺；(4) 对比；(5) 安置挑战。总而言之，本研究中的年轻成人参与者对他们的情况有积极的看法，并且在他们的愿望上具有前瞻性，特别是在他们与教育和职业目标相关时。与会者强调了在整个移民安置过程中保持文化传统和民族社区联系的重要性，这是一种克服挑战和障碍的机制。