Beyond the Model Minority: Asian American Communities and Social Justice Education

Through a collection of scholarly articles, Beyond the Model Minority: Asian American Communities and Social Justice Education examines the role of race and ethnicity in public policy and social justice. The anthology works to dismantle “model minority” myths by highlighting the cultural, social, and economic diversity within Asian American communities, as well as the prejudice, racism, and inequality they continue to face in modern America.

The anthology is divided into six parts, each addressing a particular issue or area of disparity. Part I examines Asian American identity formation and development from a variety of perspectives. Part II features readings addressing immigrant labor, domestic service, and entrepreneurship. In Part III, students read about disparities in the U.S. educational system for Asian and Pacific Americans. Part IV focuses on healthcare inequality. The essays in Part V examine Asian American representation by the media. The final part, which is centered about politics and law, presents students with three sharply different but interrelated cases about racial politics, civic activities, and legal representation.

A thought-provoking and justice-oriented collection, Beyond the Model Minority is an ideal text for courses in Asian and Asian American studies, ethnic studies, and social justice.

Jun Xing is professor and chair of the Asian and Asian American Studies Department, executive director of the Asian and Asian American Institute, and immediate past dean of undergraduate studies at California State University, Los Angeles. Dr. Xing received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities.

Chloe Chunyan Cheng is a practicing voice over artist and a graduate student. She received her B.A. in English and M.A. in comparative literature from Beijing Language and Culture University.