What Shapes Their Career Paths?
The stereotypes are vivid: New immigrants from China and Japan gravitate to technical jobs, while those from Pakistan and Bangladesh work in small businesses or drive taxis. But what about their children? Do they feel free to choose nontraditional career paths? No definitive studies have been made of the career choices of American-born sons and daughters of Asian immigrants. But anecdotal information suggests that while tradition is important, so is the influence of Americanization. Pressure from Parents, Peers or Popular Culture? “Children who are born here have more options to choose a variety of career paths, including arts and liberal arts,” says Tim P. Fong, PhD, director of the Asian American Studies Program at California State University, Sacramento. He adds a caveat, however: “Although American-born Asians have little experience with Asia, they see that certain fields are not open to them. There are very few Asians on television and not many in sports. If you don’t see anyone w
