Hmong Intergenerational
Perceptions
of
Play
By Mai Cha Lee
Advised by Susan Wolfgram, Human Development & Family Studies, UW-Stout, Ph.D.
Abstract
Research on child play has been beneficial towards
exploring the importance play has in the development of
a child. Although we know play has many positive
benefits there lacks scholarly research on adult play, and
even more so on the cultural differences of play (Van
Leeuwen & Westwood, 2008; Mannell, 2005; Floyd,
Bocarro, & Thompson, 2008). This nonrandom crosssectional pilot study, conducted at a Midwestern college,
explored the relationship between the generational
differences and similarities on Hmong perspectives of
adult play. It was hypothesized that there would be more
differences than similarities between these two groups.
Survey data was statistically analyzed using frequencies,
cross-tabulations and mean comparisons. It was found
that there were more similarities in perspective than
differences between these two adult groups, and that
play was seen as beneficial for one’s health. Implications
for practitioners are play is perceived to relieve stress,
and that social interactions are important to play
activities. Future research would benefit from a large,
randomized national sample and a qualitative research
design.
Theoretical Framework
This study used Family Ecology Theory as the theoretical
framework. Family Ecology Theory (Broffenbrenner,
1994) examines the individual’s development through the
systems of relationship in their environment.
Microsystem
Mesosystem
Exosystem
Macrosystem
Hypothesis
The central research question was, “are there
generational differences in Hmong people’s perspectives
of play”?
The researcher hypothesized that between each adult
generational group there may be more differences in
perspectives of play than similarities.
Participants
The participants consisted of members in the Hmong Stout
Student Organization (HSSO) and the elderly Hmong
generation.
o Participants within the ages of 18-30
o 4 females
o 1 male
o Participants within the ages of 31-54
o 2 females
Survey Design
o 3 types of demographic questions
o Gender
o Age
o First, second, or third generation
o 10 closed ended questions on a Likert scale
o 1(not at all) to 5 (all the time).
Results
The hypothesis that there would be differences
among the generations of Hmong participants on
perspectives of play was not supported by the data.
Themes : Types of Play
- indoors activities
-surfing the net, being creative, board games,
video games
-sewing
- outdoors activities
-hiking, biking, walking, playing sports
-gardening, shopping, park, traveling
- interaction.
-social and cultural gathers, friends and family
-social gatherings
Themes: Purpose of Play
(VAL); is play important to you? (BEH); when playing, are
you doing so with other people? (BEH2); when playing, are
you active; doing something with your body? (PUR); do you
learn a lot through play? (BEH3); when playing are you
passive; watching something or relaxing? (VAL2); do you
think about play? (BEH4); when playing, is it a solitary, self
only activity? (VAL3); do you have fun often? (VAL4); I have
a lot of time to play.
The younger generation felt that play fostered health,
feelings and knowledge. They felt that play
encouraged one to connect to others, and to gain
confidence. Participants felt play was beneficial for
relieving stress, and for mental relief and thought that
play was important for learning (in general and about
one’s self). The themes that emerged with the elder
participants were feelings, health and caution. These
feelings included enjoyment of playing, escapism, and
exploration. The elder participants believed that play
was important for stress relief and then lastly they
cautioned about too much play.
Conclusion
It is hoped that with continual research, such as this
study, there will be an increased understanding of
cultural perspectives on the importance and
development of adult play. In addition, we have yet to
explore the importance impact play may have on
adults-this may includes, biological, psychological,
developmental and social benefits.