A Further Test of the Model Minority Thesis

Abstract

This article examines data on Japanese Americans in Arizona in terms of the model minority thesis and addresses the question of whether or not this image is a myth. Occupation and income return from education, based on the 1980 census data, are examined for Japanese American males in Arizona. The findings suggest that the model minority thesis does not apply for the Japanese Americans in Arizona; for example, white males are more than two times as likely to be in managerial positions as Japanese American males, and the latter receive less return from education than the former. It is suggested that further studies explore in depth cultural and structural factors in relation to mobility, income, and occupation for Japanese Americans and other Asian Americans.

Are Asian Americans Disadvantaged by Residing More in the West? Migration, Region, and Earnings among Asian American Men

“…However, because Asian Americans tend to have higher educational attainments, the labor market can be construed to be discriminating against them in that they must make a higher investment in human capital in order to obtain the same socioeconomic rewards as whites. The over-education view is supported by other studies (e.g., Barringer, Takeuchi, & Xenos, 1990;Chin et al, 1996;Feagin & Feagin, 1993;Fong, 1998;Kao, 1995;Martinelli & Nagasawa, 1987;McCall, 2001;Min, 1995;Takaki, 1998;Waters & Eschbach, 1995;Wong, 1982;Wong et al, 1998;Zhou & Kamo, 1994), collectively suggesting continuing labor market discrimination against Asian Americans in the post-World War II era, given this group's high level of education.…”