Cultural Conflict and Adaptation (1990) examines the alienation and cultural conflicts faced at school by the children of a small group of Hmong who have settled in La Playa, California. The educational process for these children is an example of cultural conflict and adjustment patterns which may be found in many other populations in the world.

The Hmong people, with a total population of about 5 million, have a long history of statelessness and migration. About 90,000 Hmong have entered America as war refugees in the last 15 years. This study looks at the history and plight of the Hmong and the way in which such a minority fits into the American dream. More specifically the book examines the problems faced by the children of a small group of Hmong who have settled in La Playa, in East Central California. The study looks at the alienation and culture conflict faced by children in such minorities in the USA.