A Q method study of how women of Chinese descent construct themselves in relation to popular stereotypes of Chinese women.

This study examines the self-perception of Chinese women, with respect to two popular stereotypes of Chinese women (the China Doll and the Dragon Lady ), in the context of their most recent dating experience with a white male and how these women feel their dating partners perceive them with respect to the same stereotypes. Through the use of a Q sort study, 38 volunteer subjects sorted into four factors and one opposing view of how Chinese women perceived themselves and how they felt their dating partners perceived them. Differences among perceptions were analyzed using SPSSx (1986). Of the 38 Q sort participants, 16 participated in personal interviews that revealed: (1) popular stereotypes of Chinese women are undergoing change, (2) there are three coping mechanisms that Chinese women use when dealing with popular stereotypes of Chinese women (acceptance, negotiation, and rejection), and (3) the extent to which Chinese women assimilate in North American society is related not only to their acceptance of North American values and stereotypes but is also related to their lack of desire to date Chinese men.Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1993 .C462. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 33-04, page: 1156. Adviser: Barry D. Adam. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1993