Effects of Identity, Culture, Immigration and Discrimination on Labor Choice and Educational Attainment within Second Generation Chinese Americans in Chinatown

This project is an investigation into some of the non-monetary forces that may affect the assigned valuation of certain options within a choice set. The affected choice sets are seen in decisions made regarding labor choices and educational attainment, two important predictors of future socio-economic wellbeing. I set my study within the context of ethnic minority groups in the United States. In particular I focus on the second generation Asian American of the Chinatown community. By specifying a particular group I am able to explore more of the historical context that can explain the establishment of unique social behaviors and values that are commonly tied to an identity. I explore one common attribute in particular commonly known as the model minority concept. Once the history and commonly perceived behavior of the ethnic group is established I specify further with an investigation into the individual that identifies with the ethnic group and try to understand his or her choices are affected by their identity and ties to the community. I ultimately attempt to comment on the assimilation process of minority ethnic groups and how they are perceived through stereotypes instead of as individuals