ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces major issues relating to Asian American experiences. It emphasizes structural factors such as institutional barriers, discrimination, and disadvantages facing Asian Americans, rather than the cultural mechanisms employed for their successful adjustment. The chapter presents structural approach and the related theoretical perspectives have largely determined which issues concerning Asian Americans. Both the US media and scholars depict Asian Americans as “successful model minorities;’ which has negative effects on the interests of Asian Americans. Revisionist critics argue that the success image is not only invalid but also detrimental to the welfare of Asian Americans. Another important issue regarding Asian Americans’ socioeconomic adjustment is their underrepresentation in important administrative, executive, and managerial positions in corporate and public sectors. The issue of class homogeneity versus class division is closely related to another issue: the issue of ethnic solidarity versus class conflict.
