Hmong families do not respect mothers less. The idea is that one person must have the power to decide. However, more and more today s mothers can also be leaders and make decisions. In younger Hmong families, both the father and the mother make decisions. They are responsible for the household.
Men have more respect than women do, as is the case in most cultures.
However, succeeding generations are giving Hmong women increasingly more respect. Women will often have the conversation with a health care provider, but men usually make the decisions related to health care. Hmong women are increasingly asked for their advice, because they often know more about their children s conditions. Elderly Hmong are consulted when decisions need to be made. They help discipline the younger children.