Being Asian American Women Scientists and Engineers in the United States: Intersection of Ethnicity and Gender

• Published in: The American behavioral scientist (Beverly Hills) Vol. 67; no. 9; pp. 1139 - 1156
• Main Author: Varma, Roli
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-08-2023; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Academic achievement; Asian Americans; Cultural identity; Ethnic identity; Ethnicity; Gender; Occupations; Racism; Sexism; Sociocultural factors; Technology; Women; bamboo ceiling; model minority; Asian women; double bind; women of color
• ISSN: 0002-7642; 1552-3381
• DOI: 10.1177/00027642221078510

A high level of educational and occupational achievements in science and engineering (S&E) in the US has changed the image of Asian Americans from the “yellow peril” to a “model minority.” Behind this new identity is the belief that Asian Americans as a group have equaled, if not surpassed, the standards of success set by White America in S&E. It is further assumed that Asian American women are advancing equally in S&E. The reality is that they are over-represented as Asian Americans but under-represented as women in S&E occupations. They experience challenges associated with both, their ethnicity and gender. They face “double bind”—a term used for women of color who simultaneously experience sexism and racism in S&E. This paper presents Asian American women’s unique situations within S&E organizations, with a particular focus on high-technology industry, where most of them are employed. It focuses on their identities and socio-cultural categorizations.