ABSTRACT
The model minority stereotype of Asian Americans characterizes Japanese Americans as high achieving “model” citizens largely due to perceived compliance, politeness, and “work-a-holic” behavior. A variety of scholars have attempted to define the Japanese words gambare and gaman sometimes using them interchangeably. The distinction between effort and ability has been examined by a variety of scholars whose research compares Japanese educational perspectives with “American” or primarily European American orientations to education. If a Japanese 4 year old child in their study made a mistake while doing the sorting task provided by the researchers, the mother would give the correct information and perhaps some additional information about the task. In Japanese child rearing and educational training, both goals for personal growth and the means for attaining success are clearly identified. Teacher intervention in peer relations occurred infrequently in Japanese preschools. Research confirms that, as an ethnic group, Japanese Americans are highly educated.
