Date on Senior Honors Thesis

5-2024

Document Type

Senior Honors Thesis

Degree Name

B.A.

Department

Sociology

Author's Keywords

Asian American; South Asian; model minority; racialization

Abstract

The myth of the model minority is an essential aspect of the literature on Asian American racialization. However, dominant narratives of the concept largely focus on East Asians, with limited literature highlighting its unique impact on South Asians. In light of this, this qualitative study sought to illuminate where South Asian experiences align with, deviate from, or expand upon the themes observed in existing literature. Using interview data from 21 South Asian American participants from across the United States, we explored 1) identity and sense of belonging, 2) mental health as it pertains to expectations associated with the model minority myth, 3) experiences with racism, 4) minimization of diversity, and 5) the relationship between place, wealth, and internalization of the myth. South Asian experiences largely aligned with the themes observed in existing literature, but provided essential nuance to the narrative, especially regarding the distinct forms of racism South Asians face and minimization of diversity.

Lay Summary

The myth of the model minority, or the idea that Asian Americans are smart, STEM-oriented, and otherwise successful through hard work, has long defined how they are perceived in the United States. While there is much existing literature that explores this concept, it tends to focus on East Asian communities. There are vast cultural and other differences between East and South Asian communities, suggesting that this is a significant gap in the literature. In light of this, this qualitative study sought to illuminate South Asian experiences within the context of the themes observed in the existing literature on the model minority myth. Interview data from 21 South Asian American participants from across the United States was categorized into 5 sections: 1) identity and sense of belonging, 2) mental health as it pertains to expectations associated with the model minority myth, 3) experiences with racism, 4) minimization of diversity, and 5) the relationship between place, wealth, and internalization of the myth. While South Asian experiences reflected themes from existing literature in many ways, we observed important nuances. These distinctions highlighted diversity within the Asian American experience that is often erased by dominant narratives.

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