The Racial Learning of Chinese International Students in the U.S. Context: A Transnational Perspective

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: A Critical Examination of Racial Identity Development in Higher Education Spaces

Abstract

This article contributes to existing literature of how Chinese international students develop a complex understanding of race, racism, racialization, and race relations from a transnational perspective and their perceptions about social movements during COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews and follow-up exchanges of 20 Chinese undergraduates, I argue that their racial learning is jointly influenced by upbringing in Mainland China as well as racial encounters in the US, mediated by students’ elite social status. The study reveals Chinese students hold contrastive views on race and racism before and after their arrival. The study further indicates, despite being racialized, Chinese students do not show much interest in fighting against racism and perceive bottom-up activism is not a substantial way to address social equality.

Author

• Jing Yu, University of Wisconsin - Madison