"Navigating Cultural Capital: A Critical Ethnographic Case Study of Chinese American Immigrant Families"

• In Event: AERA Graduate Student Research-in-Progress Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Applications of Social and Cultural Capital Frameworks in Education Research (Table 9)

Abstract

This study, conducted amidst the pervasive "model minority" stereotype and heightened societal scrutiny, investigates the educational experiences of Chinese immigrant families in a Southeastern U.S. city. Utilizing Bourdieu's cultural capital theory, this ethnographic case study transcends local boundaries to examine two distinct family groups, delineated by their educational backgrounds. It unveils the challenges and adaptive strategies of immigrants striving for educational success amidst cultural and racial complexities. The findings disclose a variety of educational investment approaches and the significant influence of racial bias, emphasizing the complex relationship between cultural and economic capital internationally. This work deepens our grasp of educational narratives of Chinese/Asian American immigrant families and offers fresh insights into their enduring resilience and adaptability in the global context.

Author

• Yuechen Sun, University of South Carolina