Description
Explores how second-generation Vietnamese American youth actively shape their ethnic identity through cognitive, affective, and behavioral engagement with their culture. Through in-depth interviews, Tran highlights how these young individuals understand and engage with Vietnamese traditions, display a strong sense of pride in their heritage, and participate in cultural practices. Tran demonstrates that ethnic identity is neither inherited automatically nor formed in isolation. Rather, it is continuously negotiated through the dynamic interaction of family, community, culture, language, spirituality, and the broader sociocultural environment. One major actor in fostering cultural values and providing a supportive environment for these youth is the Vietnamese Buddhist Youth Association (VBYA). Using the VBYA as a case study, Tran examines how Buddhist youth programs have empowered young people, provided support, and fostered community, facilitating youths’ exploration and embrace of their cultural roots. This book offers meaningful insights for educators, policymakers, and community leaders seeking to design initiatives that support identity formation, emotional well-being, and cross-cultural understanding among diverse populations.