Perceived Oppression to Involved Conversations: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Oppression Perceived by Asian American Youth

• In Event: Research In Progress Roundtables Session 4
  In Invited Roundtable: Critical Race Perspectives on Teacher Practices, Student Experiences and Learning Environments in K-12 Education (Table 4)

Abstract

Asian Americans experience persistent marginalization and struggles with identity and belonging. However, little is known about how oppression is understood and defined by Asian Americans. This qualitative study investigates what oppression means to Asian American youth, the forms of oppression they experience, and how contextual factors inform their meaning-making and response to these experiences. We conducted semi-structured interviews with Asian American youth aged 18-24, and analyzed the data using thematic analysis with a grounded theory approach. We found 1) varying definitions of oppression shaped by different socialization messages, 2) a range of experienced forms of oppression, and 3) unique ways of engaging with issues of social injustice among Asian American youth. Implications and next steps will be discussed.

Authors

• Soe Young Lee, Boston University

• Xinyu Gu, Boston University