English Proficiency, Racial Discrimination, and Ethnic Community of Asian Americans

• In Event: 34.095 - MTCC Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: 34.095-2 - Complicating Educational Discourses on Asians and Asian Americans

Abstract

Contrary to the model minority perception of universal success, Asian American youths experience high rates of peer racial discrimination and low levels of English proficiency. However, the extent to which English proficiency may be related to racial discrimination for Asian Americans is less clear. Using survey data on Asian Americans, this study examines whether individuals who have lower levels of English proficiency are more likely to experience racial discrimination and whether family and ethnic community cohesion may moderate the effects of English proficiency. Results indicate Asian Americans who are English proficient are more likely to experience racial discrimination, and those who are not English proficient but report high levels of ethnic community cohesion are less likely to experience racial discrimination.

Authors

• North Cooc, The University of Texas at Austin

• Grace MyHyun Kim, The University of Texas at Austin