Deconstructing hyper-selectivity: Are the socioeconomic attainments of second-generation Asian Americans only due to their class background?

Arthur Sakamoto*, Sharron Xuanren Wang

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

    10 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Recent studies by Jennifer Lee and Min Zhou claim that “hyper-selectivity” is the primary causal factor accounting for the high average educational attainment of second-generation Asian Americans. We critically assess hyper-selectivity, which has not been carefully evaluated in prior research. We argue that hyper-selectivity is inadequately conceptualized and is not clearly supported by data on immigration or income mobility. Hyper-selectivity ignores accumulated facts about Asian American family processes relating to cultural factors and educational attainment. Rather than being a class phenomenon, Asian cultural factors have important effects for most second-generation Asian Americans regardless of the socioeconomic status of their parents. Overemphasizing hyper-selectivity inadequately acknowledges the cultural heritage of Asian Americans and ignores the agency of immigrant Asian American families.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)3-21
    Number of pages19
    JournalChinese Journal of Sociology
    Volume7
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2021

    Scopus Subject Areas

    • General Social Sciences

    User-Defined Keywords

    • Asian Americans
    • educational attainment
    • immigration
    • racial inequality
    • second generation
    • selective migration

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