Working Hour Disparities: A Comparative Study of Chinese, Indians and Mexicans in the U.S.

• In Event: 20862 - Section on International Migration Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 11: Migration and Labor

Abstract

This study examines disparities in weekly working hours among Indian, Chinese, and Mexican foreign-born and their U.S.-born counterparts using pooled 2020, 2022, and 2024 Current Population Survey (CPS) data. It investigates how migration histories, labor market segmentation, and racialized and gendered economic incorporation shape these disparities. Grounded in segmented assimilation theory, the analysis highlights the divergent labor market trajectories of these groups, with Indian and Chinese immigrants often experiencing professional incorporation, while Mexican immigrants are disproportionately concentrated in low-wage industries. An intersectional approach explores how ethno-racial identity, gender, and citizenship status interact to produce disparities in working hours. Three hypotheses guide this research: 1) Chinese and Indian non-citizens work fewer hours compared to naturalized and native-born individuals of the same ethnicity due to their concentration in regulated white-collar and STEM jobs; 2) Mexican immigrants have higher working hours compared to Indian and Chinese individuals due to concentration in labor-intensive, lower-skilled jobs; 3) Women across all groups experience fewer working hours than men due to structural barriers and discrimination. Findings reveal significant variations in weekly work hours. Native-born Mexicans work fewer hours than native-born whites. Amongst Chinese, native-born Chinese work the least number of hours. Among Indians, non-citizen workers show the largest negative effect, followed by naturalized Indians. These disparities likely reflect occupational differences and visa restrictions. Gender further differentiates working hours. Native-born Mexican women work more than their male counterparts, while among Chinese, both native-born and naturalized women work more than men. Non-citizen Indian women also work longer hours than men. These gendered patterns suggest occupational sector differences and cultural expectations. This study contributes to understanding immigrant incorporation and labor market stratification by revealing how racialized and gendered processes along with citizenship status structure economic outcomes.

Author

• Upama Bhattacharya, University of Texas-Austin