More Than Book Smart: Second-Generation East Asian American Aspirations for Third-Generation Children

• In Event: Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: Telling the Asian American Story Through Education

Abstract

In this study, I examine the aspirations of 40 second generation East Asian American (EAA, Chinese and Korean American) parents—to understand their goals and desires for their third generation children (i.e., the grandchildren of immigrants). Through this work, I shed greater light on this understudied but fast-growing and changing population’s experiences with education. Conversations around EAAs are usually limited to the immigrant generation and their children, but a key part of understanding race in America is the development of the second generation as adults and their third generation children. Contrary to the “tiger mom” stereotype, parents’ goals for their children mainly focused on their happiness, achieving financial stability, and developing one’s potential—including non-academic talents.

Author

• Julie J. Park, University of Maryland - College Park