Unraveling the Identities of Asian American Students During a Study Abroad Program: A Counter-Storytelling Approach in AsianCrit

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 12:40 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Unraveling Challenges to Social Justice Through Youth Activism and Agency (Table 36)

Abstract

This study employs counter-storytelling to explore the identities of Asian American undergraduate students during a study abroad program in Korea. Drawing from Asian critical theory (AsianCrit), a subfield of Critical Race Theory, the research challenges the notion of a monolithic and unitary Asian American identity, recognizing its multifaceted and fluid nature. Utilizing identity journey mapping, the study highlights the significance of incorporating Asian American counter-storytelling as a pedagogical tool to concretizing the racial injustice and oppression experienced by Asian Americans. Both inductive and deductive approaches were used to analyze student maps, written narratives, and individual interviews. The presentation concludes with recommendations for educators advocating for marginalized student populations and fostering a racially just environment in the US educational context.

Authors

• Hyesun Cho, University of Kansas

• Josh Hayes, University of Kansas