Migration of Koreans to the United States of America: A cultural phenomenon

Suhyeun Roh

Date of Publication

2009

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies Major in American Studies

Subject Categories

International and Area Studies

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

International Studies

Abstract/Summary

This research deals with a cultural phenomenon of Korean nationals caused by migration to the United States of America in the last decade. Twenty Korean migrant respondents participated in online interview conducted by the researcher. The research was conducted during the third week of January until third week of February 2009.

The objective of the study is to present the change in the cultural value system and practices also how they perceive the changes of Koreans migrants in the United States of America. In addition, the study clearly claim the cultural phenomenon co-exist between Koreans in the United States of America.

The archival research was also used to set the fore for the review of literature and also twenty respondents online interview were conducted to gather the data needed for the study, it aims to describe the reasons of migration of Korean Nationals to the United States of America and its effects on their cultural values and practices, and their perception on their changes. The data analyzed the value of individualism and collectivism, power distance, long-term and short term orientation, uncertainty avoidance, and also value of masculinity and femininity defined the acculturation and adaptation of Korean migrants and how their perception changes in cultural values.

Below are the major findings drawn from the study. The Korean respondents who participated in the online interview has an average rate of 20.45 years old, majority of respondents were female, and also have Korean citizenship and all of them were single. Korean migrants’ primary reason for their migration is education and learning English. Second in rank is for business opportunity and purpose. Citizenship is the least reason for Korean migrants to migrate in the United States.

Upon examination of changes in the cultural value system and practices of Koreans who migrated to the USA, Koreans were found to exhibit more individualistic value system. Koreans who migrate to United States have adapted the individualistic culture like self-actualization individual decisions are valued more highly than group discussion. Also, Koreans in the United States of America are more tolerant. Korean migrants have lower hierarchical tendency as compared to those who is staying in Korea. Further, Koreans in the United States of America were found to be more introverts. Migrants are still concerned on how they express their ideas and emotion and their own uncertainties. In additions, Koreans in the United States have higher tendencies to strive for more earnings and more recognition, advancement and challenges. Koreans in the United States of America also were reported have tendency to be more persistent and thrifty, but in another sense they are not always careful in speaking and in action.

The majority of Korean migrants have positive perception on changes in cultural values and practices they can easily adapt the western culture. As they stay in the U.S., they live in worlds, the US life and their lives in their homeland. Korean migrants adapt and at the same time live out the culture of another country.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTU014107

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F, Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

1 computer optical disc ; 4 3/4 in.

Keywords

Koreans--United States; United States--Immigration and immigration

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS