“The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” is a book by Anne Fadiman telling two stories. A significant part of the book is dedicated to the history of Hmong people who are exiled from China after they refuse to be assimilated in mainstream Chinese culture. The other portion of the book is dedicated to the story of Nao Kao and Foua Lee, Hmong refugees who settled in Merced, California. As Nao Kao and Foua Lee settle in Merced, their daughter Lia is born (Fadiman, 1997). Lia Lee is epileptic. Her treatment becomes problematic due to the language barrier between her family and her doctors. Unable to strike any meaningful conversations, the doctor is forced to send Lia to foster care. However, Lia’s condition worsens as she is taken away from her family. The seizures begin to occur daily. Her parents try their best to care for her as much as they blame her doctors for the worsening of her condition. Lee’s perceive their daughter’s illness as a spiritual matter while the doctors assess it from a medical viewpoint (Fadiman, 1997). In that regard, the conflict between Lia’s parents and doctors is brought about by the former’s preference for animal sacrifices to heal their daughter. The story of Lia and her family delves into the experiences of the immigrant family and their interactions with the broader community in Merced, California. Utilizing the conflict and symbolic interactionist theoretical perspectives, this paper provides a macro and micro-level analysis of the story of Lia Lee and her family.
Theoretical Perspectives
Theoretical perspectives attempt to explain social events, interactions, patterns and why they function the way they do. Theories vary in scope depending on the nature of the phenomena they are developed to explain. For instance, micro-level theories explain phenomena relating to specific relationships among individuals in smaller social contexts (Willis et al., 2007). On the other hand, macro-level theories relate to grand relationships and large groups of people. Fundamentally, macro and micro-level theories delineate why societies form and the patterns through which societies evolve and change. An example of a macro-level theory is the conflict theory while an example of a micro-level theory is the symbolic interactionist theory.
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Conflict Theory
The conflict theory conceptualizes society as comprising of different classes of people who compete for limited resources such as employment opportunities, food, shelter, political resources, and social mobility among others. In other words, classicism is the dominant social order that is reflected in extant political and socio-economic structures and institutions. The conflict theory is consistent with the philosophical works of Karl Marx (1818-1883) who perceived the society and the nation as an extension of class wars where the dominant classes advanced their interests at the expense of the lower classes (Savur, 1975). Conflict theory further describes the phenomenon where the wealthy and powerful in society use their power to amass resources and use them to maintain their unequal social structure. Consequently, some individuals or groups are able to obtain and maintain their resources than others depending on the set of advantages or disadvantages that accrue to every group. Conflicts arise from competition for economic resources (Intrilligator, 1982). Also, conflict arises as the non-dominant classes strive to eliminate the socioeconomic disparities. Other causes of conflict include political power. Indeed, individuals who have easier access to better education, opportunities of employment, healthcare and social mobility wield more political power which they use to maintain their advantages(Intrilligator, 1982). The people’s responses to the inequality in the society are mediated by the differences in their classes as well as their perceptions about those in power.
One of the proponents of the conflict theory, Georg Simmel (1858-1918), argued that conflict could foster cohesion and stability in a society. The more intense the conflict, the greater the emotional involvement among the conflicting parties becomes as they attempt to advance their interests. For instance, groups that are systematically and structurally disadvantaged by classicism will show a high degree of solidarity and strong champion for their goals. The resultant internal solidarity can be a pathway for centralization of power and minimization of dissent (Morin, 2014). Consequently, conflicts and tensions can reduce, paving way for future agreements. Moreover, conflicts in society could also arise from inequalities due to gender. The attempts to challenge the forces that maintain gender disparities in the society can lead to gender-based conflicts. Similarly, the conflict theory explains how disparities arise out of racial inequalities and how such structures or systems can be changed. In contemporary society, there exists structural inequality where the dominant whites are more privileged than racial minorities (Morin, 2014). In a nutshell, the conflict theory as put forward by Karl Marx posits that the society functions in a state of endless conflict because of competition for the limited resources among classes of people. For this reason, social order is sustained by power and dominance as opposed to conformity.
The rationale for selecting the conflict theory is to facilitate the understanding of the wider social context in the story. In other words, conflict theory will make it possible to understand how classicism or class struggles in society influence the plight of Hmong refugees in California.
Symbolic Interactionist Theory
Symbolic interactionism focuses on the specific relationships between individuals or groups in society. Essentially, individuals or groups make sense of the world in which they live through communication. Notably, communication could be through the use of spoken language, written language or the use of symbols. Therefore, through communication, individuals are perceived as active participants in determining the course of the social world in which they live (Kortaba, 2014). The symbolic interactionist theory was proposed by George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) even though the theory was not officially published. Essentially, George Herbert Mead outlined the bases of human interactions where he argued that individuals interact based on the meanings that are attached to things in their environment (Aksan et al., 2009). The meanings are shaped by the existing social structures and are interpreted depending on the circumstances that an individual could be dealing with. For instance, a symbolic interactionist could propose that an individual who loves mobile phones must have learnt that they are essential in their interactions with their family or friends. In other words, the symbolic meaning attached to the mobile phone led the person to love mobile phones.
The symbolic interactionist theory is applied in the analysis of patterns of associations between people. Specifically, the theory focuses on the verbal and non-verbal cues in one on one interaction between two individuals. For example, in a political protest, a conflict theorist could be examining the class differences among the protesters while the symbolic interactionist would be more focused on how the people in the group interact, including the signs and symbols that they use to pass their messages to one another. Patterns of interactions between individuals socially construct the reality of the world (Forte, 2009). The reality that is socially constructed could last for a long time provided the meaning attached to it is embraced or widely agreed upon by the majority of the people. The symbolic interactionist perspective also defines the behaviors, profiles and expressions that are considered deviant in society (Forte, 2009). Deviant behavior is simply what is different from the mainstream. In some societies, finding lost property and handing it over to the authorities could be deemed appropriate. Yet, keeping the lost property and looking for the owner could be considered deviant. In a nutshell, the symbolic interactionist theory posits that human actions can only be understood through the sharing of meaningful communication or symbols. Also, the theory holds that the world is socially constructed through human conceptualizations and interpretations.
The rationale for the selection of the symbolic interactionist theory is to understand the nature of interpersonal relationships within Lia Lee’s family as well as their interactions with the outside world. The symbolic interactionist theoretical perspective will also deepen the understanding of the experiences of the Hmong refugees in a foreign land. Importantly, the symbolic interactionist model will reveal the premises for human interactions in the story.
Micro-Level Analysis
The story of Lia Lee and her family is analyzed using the symbolic interactionist perspective. Specifically, the symbolic interactionist theory is used to analyze the interaction between Lia’s family and her doctors. Applying the symbolic interactionism model on the interaction between Lia’s family and her doctors reveals the challenges of the language barrier and cultural misunderstanding which Lia’s family must confront as immigrants. Nao Kao and Faou Lee cannot speak English and are faced with a major hurdle. As they bring their daughter, Lia, to an American hospital, they must communicate with doctors in English. Lia’s family and her doctors are unable to communicate because of the language barrier. The symbolic interactionist theory shows how human actions are based on the meaningfulness of the symbols that are exchanged between two people. In the story, Lia’s family and her doctors are unable to exchange any meaningful symbols, leading the doctors to act in a manner that displeases Lia’s family. The doctors try hard to make sense of Lia’s family messages but are unable to do so, forcing the former to send Lia to foster care. The decision to send Lia to foster care turns out to be problematic as her condition worsens, making her parents blame the doctors.
The symbolic interactionist theory also points out the link between social structure and self in the story of Lia Lee and her family. In this context, commitment refers to the extent to which one’s relationship to others is dependent on having a certain identity. The greater the relationship’s dependence on a particular identity, the more the person will highly regard that particular identity. If an individual possesses an identity that is premised on the views of others and wider social constructs, he is likely to exhibit behaviors that are in tandem with those views and definitions (Kotarba, 2014). In the story of Lia and her family, it is evident that the relationship between Lia’s family and other people is independent of the former’s adoption of a foreign identity. In other words, Lia’s family is keen to preserve their identity which is embedded in the Hmong culture. Lia’s family is committed to its original identity. Indeed, this is manifested in the verbal and non-verbal cues as they exchange communication symbols with doctors. If Lia’s family is to exchange meaningful communication symbols with Lia’s doctors and the broader community in Merced, they ought to lose certain aspects of their identity. They must also abandon their traditional beliefs which contradict medical science. In a nutshell, the link between social structure and self plays out in the story of Lia and her family. By applying symbolic interactionism, it emerges that meaningful communication can only be achieved when the gap between social structure and self is bridged.
The symbolic interactionist theory holds that reality in the world is a social construction that depends on individual human conceptualizations and interpretations. In other words, the reality is subjective (Kortaba, 2009). The symbolic interactionist theoretical perspective deepens the understanding of the reality that is socially constructed in the story of Lia Lee and her family. The interaction between Lia’s parents and her doctors does not bear much fruit leading Lia’s family to construct their reality of the nature of Lia’s doctors. The inability of Lia’s parents and doctors to exchange meaningful symbols leads to the social construction of a somewhat distorted reality where Lia’s parents perceive the doctors as villains. However, as the story unfolds, it emerges that there are no villains but simply a group of people whose culture and language barriers have impeded the exchange of meaningful symbols.
Additionally, applying the symbolic interactionist theoretical perspective to the story of Lia Lee and her family reveals the Hmong’s cultural beliefs and worldview. As the symbolic interactionist perspective posits, interactions between individuals are based on the meanings that are attached to things in their environment (Aksan et al., 2009). The meanings are shaped by the existing social structures and are interpreted depending on the circumstances that an individual could be dealing with. Lia doctors attribute her condition to anomalies in her brain, which they labor to explain to Lia’s parents. On the other hand, Lia’s parents believe that their daughter’s condition is a spiritual issue that cannot be solely solved by science. The interaction between Lia’s parents and her doctors shows how Hmong’s culture places a high premium on magic and superstition. The communication symbols exchanged between Lia’s parents and the doctors reveal the extent to which Lia’s family is rooted in ancient spiritual traditions and how they are unwilling to embrace anything that the modern world is bound to offer. The belief in the Hmong traditions butts up against the medical interpretation of Lia’s condition, thereby shaping the nature of the relationship between Lia’s family and her doctors. Ultimately, the symbolic interactionist perspective illustrates how relationships between individuals are formed and sustained in the story (Forte, 2009). Moreover, it shows how the social context influences the construction of reality in the world.
Lastly, the symbolic interactionist theoretical perspective points out the role of the family in the formation and maintenance of relationships. The story of Lia and her family illustrates the importance of family, as a strong premise for human interaction (Hurvitz, Araoz,& Fulmer, 1975). Family is all Nao Kao, Foua Lee and their children have in the foreign land. Although they face enormous challenges navigating the cultural landscape in California, they are emboldened by their family ties. Applying the symbolic interactionist perspective, it is evident that the Hmong culture emphasizes family values. The family members are shown to stick out for one another. Additionally, they try their best to make Lia comfortable despite the frustration they face. Lia’s family is also skeptical about foreigners. They only seem to trust those within their small family circle. In essence, this also explains why the symbolic meaning attached to the family is a strong premise for interaction and sustaining of relationships.
Macro-Level Analysis
The macro-level analysis of the story of Lia and her family is based on conflict theory. The conflict theoretical perspective reveals the wider social context in which the Lees family story is set. Notably, the competition for resources as the perpetual state of the society emerges as the genesis of the tribulations of Lia and her family. More than once, the family is evicted from their homes. They have just settled in the United States after being exiled from war-torn Laos. The endless evictions represent class struggles in the society where minorities such as the Lee family are on the receiving end of the excesses of the dominant classes. Class struggles in the story are founded on cultural differences. The dominant cultures are keen to assert their dominance in society (Wood, 1983). For instance, the minority Hmong culture was forced out of Laos for failing to be integrated into the mainstream culture. Fundamentally, this shows how the dominant classes in society use their power to subvert minorities. Moreover, there is persistent inequality which is maintained by total subservience of the minority cultures. In other words, for dominant cultures to maintain the disparity in society, they demand minority cultures to conform to the established ways of life. In the story, it is also clear that social order is maintained by conflict rather than conformity. The Hmong culture is unwilling to conform to the dominant culture and would rather be exiled than compromise their cultural beliefs (Fadmin, 1997). The attitude of non-conformance as the premise of social order is manifested in the experiences of Lia’s family in the United States. Although they are refugees, Lia’s family is keen to preserve its cultural identity.
Moreover, the conflict theoretical perspective addresses the theme of suffering which has remained synonymous with the Hmong people for centuries. Applying the conflict theoretical perspective on the situation of the Hmong people, it is evident that the perpetual conflict has strengthened their resolve to advance their interests. In other words, the perpetual conflict has heightened the degree of solidarity among the Hmong people, making them more committed to their course (Intrilligator, 1982). The Hmong people have endured suffering for a century, having been evicted from both China and Laos and having been abandoned by the United States government. Nonetheless, they have never relented. The story of Lia and her family shows how the Hmong people value the sense of family and community. Importantly, this is consistent with the conflict theoretical perspective which holds that the perpetual conflict can potentially foster integration in the community or society. The Hmong people are more integrated because of the conflict. Lia’s family is more united despite the challenges they face in the United States. In a nutshell, the conflict in China, Laos, and the United States and the resultant suffering that the Hmong people endure enhances their integration and cohesion.
Furthermore, conflict theory describes the life and plight of Lia and her family in the United States. The family entered the United States with the hope of finally finding peace and settling down since the Unites States is a country of the free. The family expected to have a clean break from their past struggles upon entry of the land of the free. However, class struggles begin to play out in American society. The family of Lia Lee realizes that the socioeconomic and political institutions in the United States, like in China and Laos, are mere tools of the struggle between classes (Fadiman, 1997). The society is nothing more than an endless struggle for resources, which jeopardizes the family’s efforts of integration in mainstream society. The locals perceive the Lia Lee family as outsiders who have come to the United States to take away the opportunities meant for the American people. Thus, the locals regard the Lia Lee family as unwelcome guests who are only keen to advance to their selfish interests. In the same breath, the Lia Lee family resents the locals and is hesitant to be integrated into the mainstream culture. The conflict theory helps to address this mutual resentment in the story (Morin, 2014). On the part of the locals, they regard the Lee family as foreign invaders whose presence in the United States is detrimental to the socioeconomic mobility of the American people. On the part of the Lee family, they regard the locals as self-centered people whose only aim is to force the family to abandon their cultural values and beliefs before they can find peace in the United States. Ultimately, the tumultuous relationship between the Lee family and the locals boils down to the quest to maintain class power and inequality. The locals struggle to maintain their class power while the Lee family struggles to achieve upward social mobility but not at the expense of its cultural beliefs.
Lastly, the conflict theory addresses the cultural problem of racial prejudice in the story of Lia and her family. The family of Lia Lee confronts racial prejudice in the United States as the class struggles based on race play out. The socio-cultural order in the United States is shown to be maintained by persistent inequality between racial majorities and minorities. The dominant whites are advantaged and maintain their privileges by discriminating against the minorities. In the United States, the culture of Lia’s family is mocked and their intelligence is insulted. Lia’s family is perceived as backward and unappreciative of the modern world. Consistent with the conflict theory, racial prejudice is a reflection of the power struggle between different racial classes in society (Morin, 2014). Lia’s family belong to a racial class that is disadvantaged, unable to amass resources and maintain them. Subsequently, they are forced to contend with the suffering which they now perceive as part and parcel of their lives. In a nutshell, the conflict theory reveals the power struggles in the US moderated by race, where minorities are at the mercies of the dominant races.
Conclusion
This paper analyzed the story of Lia and her family from a micro and macro-level perspective. The analysis was based on the symbolic interactionist and the conflict theoretical perspectives. Applying the symbolic interactionism model on the interaction between Lia’s family and her doctors reveals the challenges of the language barrier and cultural misunderstanding which Lia’s family must confront as immigrants. The symbolic interactionist theory also points out the link between social structure and self in the story of Lia Lee and her family where it emerges that meaningful communication can only be achieved when the gap between social structure and self is bridged. Additionally, applying the symbolic interactionist theoretical perspective to the story of Lia Lee and her family reveals the Hmong’s cultural beliefs and worldview and how they shape the patterns of interaction with the broader community. Lastly, the symbolic interactionist theoretical perspective shows the family as a strong premise of human interaction. In contrast, the conflict theoretical perspective reveals the wider social context in which the Lees family story is set. Notably, the competition for resources as the perpetual state of the society emerges as the genesis of the tribulations of Lia and her family. Further, applying the conflict theoretical perspective on the situation of the Hmong people shows that the perpetual conflict has strengthened their resolve to advance their interests and fostered integration of the Hmong community. Lastly, the conflict theory reveals the power struggles in the US moderated by race, where minorities are at the mercies of the dominant races. The family of Lia Lee confronts racial prejudice in the United States as the class struggles based on race play out.
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