Presenter(s)
Serenity Xiong
Abstract
The relationship between mothers and daughters is a complex bond that differs from person to person and is significantly shaped by cultural influences. The research in this area aims to reveal those cultural norms--the Hmong culture being the primary focus of the study--and values play a crucial role in defining the dynamics between mother-daughter relationships impacting their communication, expectations, and expression. To first understand the different dynamics that may exist between mothers and daughters in the Hmong culture, grasping the history of the importance of familial roles is essential. The Hmong demographic is an existing ethnic group part of various areas of Southeast Asia and a growing population in the west (Lor, 2013). The Hmong culture places great importance on family and community, viewing these elements as central to their way of life (Tatman, 2004), and to create structure the culture was dependent on a system that had men holding the primary authority in the household and women tending to domestic duties. These cultural practices create distinct roles, expectations, and responsibilities for both men and women. This then creates a domino effect as mothers in Hmong culture are typically the example for their daughters, being a primary factor in how communication occurs and thus affects the relationship and relationship satisfaction between mothers and daughters. RQ: What is the influence of gender in culture and how does it affect the dynamic and communication between mothers and daughters? To gain accurate and relevant data, the methods of research in this study inhabits qualitative research. Conducting an array of interviews with 13 Hmong daughters in between the ages of 18-28 years old through a snowball sample allowed for different perspectives and insight to the different mother-daughter dynamics that exist. In preparation of the interview, a list of 15 questions were formulated to gauge relationship satisfaction, communication satisfaction, conflict resolution, and cultural influences on relationships. Through thematic analysis on the interviews, common themes and patterns are being coded into various categories and examined. This research aims to expand perspectives and observe how different factors, culture specifically, affect communication and relationship satisfaction between mothers and daughters in ways that enlarges or minimizes that gap. Current themes that have been identified include: gender roles and expectations, miscommunication, values and beliefs, and motherhood. Final analysis of the themes will be completed by the Research and Creative Achievement Day.
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department
Communication Studies
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Tammy Swenson-Lepper
Start Date
4-24-2025 10:00 AM
End Date
4-24-2025 11:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1b=10am-11am
Poster Number
68
Included in
“I didn’t understand what it was to be a mom until I became one:” Gender and Cultural Influence on Hmong Mother-Daughter Relationships and Communication
The relationship between mothers and daughters is a complex bond that differs from person to person and is significantly shaped by cultural influences. The research in this area aims to reveal those cultural norms--the Hmong culture being the primary focus of the study--and values play a crucial role in defining the dynamics between mother-daughter relationships impacting their communication, expectations, and expression. To first understand the different dynamics that may exist between mothers and daughters in the Hmong culture, grasping the history of the importance of familial roles is essential. The Hmong demographic is an existing ethnic group part of various areas of Southeast Asia and a growing population in the west (Lor, 2013). The Hmong culture places great importance on family and community, viewing these elements as central to their way of life (Tatman, 2004), and to create structure the culture was dependent on a system that had men holding the primary authority in the household and women tending to domestic duties. These cultural practices create distinct roles, expectations, and responsibilities for both men and women. This then creates a domino effect as mothers in Hmong culture are typically the example for their daughters, being a primary factor in how communication occurs and thus affects the relationship and relationship satisfaction between mothers and daughters. RQ: What is the influence of gender in culture and how does it affect the dynamic and communication between mothers and daughters? To gain accurate and relevant data, the methods of research in this study inhabits qualitative research. Conducting an array of interviews with 13 Hmong daughters in between the ages of 18-28 years old through a snowball sample allowed for different perspectives and insight to the different mother-daughter dynamics that exist. In preparation of the interview, a list of 15 questions were formulated to gauge relationship satisfaction, communication satisfaction, conflict resolution, and cultural influences on relationships. Through thematic analysis on the interviews, common themes and patterns are being coded into various categories and examined. This research aims to expand perspectives and observe how different factors, culture specifically, affect communication and relationship satisfaction between mothers and daughters in ways that enlarges or minimizes that gap. Current themes that have been identified include: gender roles and expectations, miscommunication, values and beliefs, and motherhood. Final analysis of the themes will be completed by the Research and Creative Achievement Day.
