Write A 700 To 1050 Word Paper On Asian Americans On 502939
Writea 700 To 1050 Word Paper On Asian Americans On Many Indicators
Writea 700- to 1,050-word paper on Asian-Americans. On many indicators of success, such as income and education, Asian-Americans, while a distinct minority, surpass Whites in America. Why is this? Include the following: Cultural value of Asians toward education, History of discrimination in the U.S., Similarities and differences between Asian values and the dominant American values, Family, Extended family behaviors, Cultural values toward authority, both personal and institutional, Respect of adults. Format your paper consistent with appropriate course-level APA guidelines.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Asian Americans have become one of the most academically and economically successful minority groups in the United States, often surpassing Whites in key indicators such as educational attainment and household income. This achievement can be attributed to a complex interplay of cultural values, historical experiences, and social behaviors. Understanding these factors requires examining cultural emphasis on education, the history of discrimination, family structures, and attitudes toward authority within Asian communities. This paper explores these aspects in detail to explain the reasons behind the remarkable success indicators among Asian Americans.
Cultural Values Toward Education
A central element of Asian American success lies in the cultural importance placed on education. Many Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, Indian, and Vietnamese, regard education as a vital pathway to upward mobility and social stability. Confucian values, prominent in East Asian societies, emphasize diligence, discipline, respect for learning, and the importance of scholarly achievement. For instance, in Chinese and Korean communities, education is often considered a family duty, with an emphasis on obtaining prestigious degrees as a means to honor ancestors and elevate the family’s social standing (Lee & Zhou, 2015). Consequently, Asian American students often spend more hours studying and are more committed to academic excellence than their peers from other backgrounds. This cultural valuation significantly contributes to higher rates of college attendance and degree completion among Asian Americans.
Historical Discrimination and Its Impact
Despite their successes, Asian Americans have historically faced discrimination and exclusion in the United States, which has influenced their community strategies for success. Early immigration policies, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, severely restricted Chinese immigrants, forcing the community to adapt and develop strong internal supports focused on education and economic self-reliance (Sue & Sue, 2016). Overcoming systemic barriers fostered a resilience within Asian communities, emphasizing the importance of education as a means of social mobility in a segregated society. The history of discrimination made Asian Americans more determined to achieve economic stability and social mobility through educational attainment, viewing it as a means to counteract ongoing marginalization.
Similarity and Differences Between Asian Values and American Values
While certain values are shared between Asian and American cultures, key differences exist that influence success pathways. Both cultures value hard work and achievement, yet American values emphasize individualism, independence, and personal fulfillment, whereas many Asian cultures prioritize familial obligations, collective harmony, and social hierarchy (Kim, 2017). For example, Asian Americans often make educational and career choices that benefit their families, even if it means sacrificing personal aspirations. This collectivist mindset fosters communal support systems that reinforce educational goals and economic success. Conversely, American individualism sometimes encourages pursuits based on personal interest, sometimes at the expense of communal or familial expectations.
Family and Extended Family Behaviors
Family plays a pivotal role in Asian American success stories. Many Asian cultures emphasize filial piety, respect for elders, and a strong sense of duty towards family wellbeing. Extended family networks provide emotional and financial support, which helps young adults pursue higher education and stable careers (Chao, 2014). These familial structures foster an environment of high expectations, discipline, and mutual assistance. For example, in many Asian households, children are encouraged to excel academically to help lift the family's socioeconomic status. Moreover, parents often invest heavily in their children’s education, seeing it as the most reliable avenue for upward mobility.
Cultural Values Toward Authority and Respect
Respect for authority figures characterizes many Asian cultural interactions with both familial and institutional authority. Children are taught from a young age to respect elders, teachers, and community leaders, which often translates into disciplined studying and obedience to institutional rules (Hwang & Ng, 2019). This respect for authority contributes to a disciplined approach to education and work, leading to higher achievement levels. It also fosters trust and cooperation within schools and workplaces, which further enhances success pathways. This deference to authority helps maintain social harmony but can sometimes conflict with American ideals of individual rights and questioning authority.
Conclusion
The success indicators among Asian Americans, particularly in income and education, are significantly influenced by cultural values emphasizing education, family support, respect for authority, and resilience against discrimination. Their collective and disciplined approach to achievement is rooted in traditional values and historical experiences that prioritize hard work and filial piety. While these cultural traits align with some American ideals, they also embody a unique focus on community and familial success that continues to propel Asian Americans forward despite systemic challenges. Recognizing these factors provides a clearer understanding of the diverse pathways to achievement within the United States.
References
Chao, R. K. (2014). Family, cultural, and academic influences on Asian American youth success. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 43(5), 676–690.
Hwang, K. K., & Ng, T. (2019). Cultural values and educational achievement among Asian Americans. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 10(3), 256–265.
Kim, E. (2017). Individualism and collectivism: Impact on success in Asian Americans. Cultural Psychology, 23(4), 563–580.
Lee, S. M., & Zhou, M. (2015). The Asian American success story: Cultural values and educational equity. Harvard Educational Review, 85(2), 230–248.
Sue, D., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Additional scholarly references can include works on Asian family structures, comparative cultural values, and historical policies affecting Asian American communities, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topic.