Limited agency, racialized labor, and the mechanization of Asian international students in U.S. higher education

• In Event: 20851 - White Collar, Blue Collar, Raced Collars: Racialized Work Spaces

Abstract

Over 1 million international students work in U.S. institutions of higher education, with the majority being from Asia. Although previous scholarship has emphasized the cultural and language barriers faced by this population, relatively little is known about the labor conditions of these students and how they may contribute to inequality. Utilizing Bui’s concept of Asian roboticism and literature on racial capitalism, this study draws on 22 in-depth interviews conducted with Asian international students in different disciplines across the U.S. Findings revealed three major themes that characterize the working conditions of these students: limited agency, racialized labor, and the mechanization of Asian bodies. These conditions have negative impacts on students’ mental health, physical health, and social well-being. The results underscore the harm perpetuated by racial stereotypes of Asian workers and highlight directions for future research on inequality in higher education.

Author

• Shan Mohammed Siddiqui, SUNY-Farmingdale