Research Article

Korean fathers’ immigration experience

Published: N/A

Journal: Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment

DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2024.2302976

Abstract

ABSTRACT Korean immigrant fathers were interviewed and the consensual qualitative research (CQR) method was employed to analyze the data. Five domains (challenges, identity, values, relationship, and well-being) and seventeen categories emerged. Participants experienced implicit discrimination and cultural barriers. They identified themselves as Koreans and valued family’s well-being as their priority. They made efforts to find meaning and satisfaction by supporting children to become independent adults. Participants were aware of their traditional parenting styles and the intergenerational cultural gap with their children. As first-generation immigrants, Korean immigrant fathers reported a lack of genuine relationships with both Korean Americans and non-Korean Americans outside of their families. Although participants reported freedom from the pressure caused by interdependent Korean culture, they felt homesickness and emptiness without their own valued life goals. KEYWORDS: Korean immigrant fathers, qualitative research method, intergenerational cultural gap, cultural barrier. Disclosure statement No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). Additional information Funding This work was supported by the Salisbury University [Faculty Mini Grant].

Faculty Members

  • Sook-Hyun Kim - School of Social Work, Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland, USA
  • Kyoung-Rae Jung - Department of Psychology, Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland, USA

Themes

  • Emotional well-being
  • Cultural barriers
  • Intergenerational relationships
  • Cultural identity
  • Parenting styles
  • Challenges of immigration

Categories

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