"From housewife to breadwinner": Khmer women changing places and gender roles following the Cambodian genocide

Abstract

This thesis explores the integration process of Khmer women in Long Beach, California during and after the Cambodian genocide by analyzing changing gender roles within Cambodian families. The study gives insight into how changing geographical spaces affects cultural norms. The lives of immigrants are influenced by many factors including culture, gender roles and changing family structure. These changes could be influenced by the culture of the accepting country, past history, economic factors or social changes such as, for example, feminist movement. Qualitative methodology is used for the study, which includes oral histories and observations. For many Khmer women who moved to Long Beach, CA during those times, their role changed from “housewife” to “bread winner”. The Cambodian genocide and the change of environment are two factors that played a role. The result was a change in cultural norms. Previously Khmer women had a submissive image. For the respondents in this study, this perception was challenged.