Culture and Identity: Exploring Agency and Communion in the Bicultural Narratives of Korean American Youth

Hannah Kim

doi:10.66815/ejecs/2628

Authors

Hannah Kim Houghton University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8528-8485

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66815/ejecs/2628

Keywords:

qualitative research, narrative identity, agency, communion, life story analysis

Abstract

This qualitative research delved into how the life story narratives of Korean youth living in the United States reflects their cultural identities utilizing the notion of agency and communion. Agency themes included self-mastery, status/victory, achievement/responsibility, and empowerment. Communion themes included love/friendship, dialogue, caring/help, and unity/togetherness. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten Korean American young adults aged from 18 to 29. The life story analysis revealed a stronger tendency towards agency-oriented narratives, reflecting American life styles. The most common agency theme was self-mastery, followed by empowerment. The themes of communion were less prominent, with love/friendship being the most frequently mentioned. The participants’ identity perceptions were linked to agency and communion. Some participants interwove agency and communion themes in their narratives, demonstrating flexibility and adaptation. The findings suggest that Korean youth in the United States, particularly children of immigrants, may lean towards agency-oriented narratives, aligning with the individualistic values of American culture. Despite their Korean heritage, these individuals may feel more comfortable with American way of life due to their upbringing and cultural immersion. This study highlights the complex interplay of cultural influences and individual agency in shaping narrative identity among immigrant youth. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the evolving narrative identities of Korean American youth navigating the complexities of immigrant experiences and cultural intersections.

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Author Biography

Hannah Kim, Houghton University

is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Houghton University. She received her Ph.D. in psychology from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Her research interests center on developmental trajectories and outcomes of ethnic minority youth in the United States. She is committed to research about diversity and inclusion of students from traditionally underrepresented groups. As a qualitative researcher, she seeks to listen to the life stories of ethnic minority youth in the United States to address their struggles and needs so that their voices can be heard. For further inquiries, she can be reached at Hannah.Kim@houghton.edu

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