ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the transformation of the immigrant women's lives through their participation in the work force in the United States. It argues that immigrant women working in the factory work very long hours, carry a significant amount of responsibility for the family's financial need, and have sacrificed their dreams and careers to meet the family's needs. Women from Vietnam reported contrasting experiences which depended on where they lived and the family's economic situation. The socio-economic status of the family was a key factor in whether the woman was able to obtain further education or advance to a professional career. Many women talked about male and female relatives and extended family members who worked and the jobs that they held. Upper class women have traditionally been denied a place in paid employment and have been given the full responsibility of managing the home and child care.
