The Cultural Adjustment of Chinese-Born Males to the American Masculinity Paradigm: Issues of Identity and Self-Image in First-Generation Chinese-American Male Immigrants.
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文摘
As the field of psychology becomes more global and embraces diversity, it runs the risk of overlooking the nuances and particularities of specific cultures. Although researchers may earnestly attempt to better understand specific cultural groups, they have the propensity to mistakenly use Western paradigms as a backdrop for comparison to other cultures. However, such a methodological approach inherently presupposes Western perspectives as the standard while simultaneously devaluing the culture in focus Louie, 2003). An attempt to unify and expand multicultural sensitivities should not come at the cost of recognizing and appreciating the unique subtleties of specific cultural groups. As China is the most populated country in the world, as well as a growing and influential culture, the importance and demand for psychological sensitivity with this particular cultural group becomes more critical in the field of psychology. Broadening the understanding of historical and modern Chinese views of gender, this dissertation highlights the cultural immersion process of first-generation Chinese-American male immigrants and their adjustment to the American masculinity paradigm. Gender theorists Louie, 2002； Kimmel, 2001； Zhong, 2000) have suggested that there are significant differences between Chinese and American expectations of what it means to be a "man." Yet, little research has investigated how these differences are experienced and reconciled upon immigrating to the United States. As a result, this dissertation interviewed 7 participants to cross-examine the potential conflicts for first-generation Chinese-American male immigrants -- e.g., how they are pressured to meet the ideals and standards of the dominant, American culture while negotiating their own understanding of masculinity developed in China. Charmazs 2006) constructivist model of grounded theory was used as a foundation to analyze the collected data. The studys findings, emerged themes, and its clinical applications with this population are then discussed.