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.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Shraddha, ""Not that type of Asian": deconstructing the model minority myth from a South Asian perspective." (2024). College of Arts & Sciences Senior Honors Theses. Paper 315.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/honors/315
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.
