Heterogeneity of STEM Entrance Among Asian American Subgroups From Different Backgrounds

• In Event: College Access for Asian and Asian Americans Across the Global Diaspora

Abstract

A body of literature has examined that Asian Americans are “overrepresented” in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. However, despite the growing diversity among Asian ethnic subgroups in American society, little research has explored the heterogeneity of experiences and outcomes among Asian American students from different racial/ethnic subgroups in the STEM pipeline. Using a nationally representative dataset, High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09), we identify varying patterns of STEM major selection among Asian American subgroups in light of college selectivity. Especially, analysis illustrates the need to take a close look at the diversity and stratification of STEM pathways within the Asian American group for the better understanding of STEM entrance among Asian American students from different backgrounds.

Authors

• chungseo kang, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Hyunmyung Jo, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Lois Weis, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Seong Won Han, University at Buffalo - SUNY