Developing cultural competence in working with Korean immigrant families

• Published in: Journal of community psychology Vol. 34; no. 2; pp. 149 - 165
• Main Authors: Kim, Irene J., Kim, Luke I. C., Kelly, James G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01-03-2006; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Asian Americans; Case Studies; Community Resources; Cues; Cultural Awareness; Cultural Differences; Culture; Demographics; Families & family life; Family Role; Family Structure; Immigrants; Korean Americans; Noncitizens; Psychological Patterns; Psychology; Values
• ISSN: 0090-4392; 1520-6629
• DOI: 10.1002/jcop.20093

The authors provide an in‐depth examination of the historical background, cultural values, family roles, and community contexts of Korean Americans as an aid to both researchers and clinicians in developing cultural competence with this particular group. First, the concept of cultural competence is defined. A brief history of Korean immigration patterns to the United States and demographic information about Korean Americans are reviewed. Second, Korean cultural values, family structure, and family roles are examined as they impact relationships in research and clinical contexts. Three indigenous concepts (cf. L. Kim, 1992) that may be useful in developing cultural competence include haan (suppressed anger), jeong (strong feeling of kinship), and noon‐chi (ability to evaluate social situations through implicit cues). Clinical case examples and accounts from a community‐based research perspective illustrate these cultural values. Third, important community resources in the Korean American context are highlighted. Links between cultural competence and “ecological pragmatism” (Kelly, Azelton, Burzette, & Mock, 1994) are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.