Culture and Identity: Exploring Agency and Communion in the Bicultural Narratives of Korean American Youth
Year: 2026
Type: article
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.
DOI: 10.66815/ejecs/2628
Author: Hannah Kim
Institution: Houghton University
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7203663197