Lived Experiences of Educational Administrators in the Marshall Islands on Americanization: A Phenomenological Study
Date
2023-11-13
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Abstract
An increase in Americanization and the diminishing use of the Marshallese language are eroding the Marshallese culture and identity. This study may promote understanding of how the phenomenon is occurring. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of educational administrators who work in the Marshall Islands to understand changes in the Marshallese culture due to Americanization. By exploring Americanization and Marshallese culture through phenomenology, this study may foster cultural growth and change in the Marshall Islands and provide valuable insight for indigenous populations. The study’s problem and purpose address a gap in the literature on Marshallese educational leaders' experiences with Americanization of Marshallese culture. Hersey and Blanchard’s situational leadership theory and Heifetz’s adaptive leadership theory serve as the theoretical framework for this study. Two research questions guiding this study explored Marshallese educational administrators' experiences with Americanization in schools and perceptions of Americanization on school curriculum and Marshallese culture. Twenty educational administrators participated in the research. Data were collected through a questionnaire and a virtual interview. A thematic analysis was used to organize the data. This research in the Marshall Islands indicated Americanization has resulted in a loss of culture, brought economic benefits, supported schools financially and logistically, and that curricula support learning English, not Marshallese. Themes indicated a growing need for Marshallese literature and learning materials. This study could be used to foster the design and development of new learning tools that support the Marshallese language and culture.
Description
Educational leaders in the Marshall Islands may have had an influence on supporting Marshallese cultural and linguistic policy. This research was a phenomenological study of the lived experiences of educational administrators in the Marshall Islands regarding the effects of Americanization. By exploring the phenomenon of Americanization and Marshallese culture from this perspective, this research may share data that provides valuable insight for indigenous populations.
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