Asian Americans: Achievements Mask Challenges

• Published in: Asian Journal of Social Science Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. 290 - 307
• Main Author: Varma, Roli
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Netherlands BRILL 2004
• Subjects: Academic achievement; American minorities; Asian Americans; Career development; Career Patterns; Engineering; Ethnic minorities; General Articles; Glass ceiling; Higher education; Hispanics; Labour market participation; Migrants; Model minority stereotypes; Native Americans; Occupational achievement; Occupational Mobility; Professional Workers; Social mobility; U.S.A; United States government publications; Workforce
• ISSN: 1568-4849; 1568-5314; 2212-3857; 1568-4849
• DOI: 10.1163/1568531041705103

This article focuses on the existence of the "glass ceiling" to upward career mobility experienced by Asian Americans in professional occupations. It questions the recent portrayal of Asian Americans as a "model minority" who have "made it" in America. Instead, it shows that despite their good record of achievement, Asian Americans do not reach a level at which they can participate in policy and decision-making responsibilities. This article builds on the emerging glass ceiling literature by Asian American scholars, while examining social/cultural complexities, peculiarities, and nuances in private companies, government agencies, and institutions of higher education.