Hidden behind the model minority stereotype: Exploring disparities and the role of parent empowerment in Asian students’ college enrollment

Abstract

We investigated the relationship between Asian parent empowerment and their children's college enrollment in a sample of 357 Asian parents from various ethnic subgroups using the High School Longitudinal Study 2009. A multinomial logistic regression indicated differences in Asian students' college enrollment by ethnic subgroup and income and in the role of personal and community parent empowerment in college enrollment. The results indicate the danger of the model minority myth in masking disparities among Asian students.

How the Culture in School Counseling Programs Shapes College-Going Outcomes: Do the Effects Vary by Race?

“…As racially and ethnically diverse researchers (one Black, one Korean, and one Chinese), all with international origins, we are aware that we may have racial blind spots that make us susceptible to anti-Black racism and deficit perspectives that could show up in our narratives and interpretations regarding students of color. Indeed, we are aware of how studies examining racial group differences using inferential methods often perpetuate racism and stereotypes, including anti-Black racism and the model minority myth stereotype (Garcia & Mayorga, 2018; Gillborn et al, 2018; Kim et al, 2022). Researchers often use regression models to draw conclusions about students of color that do not take into consideration the effects of structural racism and differences in social experiences and that promote deficit views of students of color (Ross et al, 2020; Van Dusen & Nissen, 2022).…”

“…This study is based on the recognition that, beyond student variables, multiple contexts and ecological systems affect students' college-going outcomes and these systems and power structures affect students differentially (Bryan, Henry et al, 2022;Bryan, Kim et al, 2022;Zyromski & Dimmitt, 2022). Indeed, research on college-going culture in schools has highlighted the importance of whole-school comprehensive efforts in enhancing college going and has emphasized the centrality of school counseling programs in this school-wide college-going culture (Engberg & Gilbert, 2014;McDonough, 2005).…”

“…Culture is defined as norms, expectations, customs, practices, and behaviors that hold a unit, department, or program together and give it a distinct identity (Bellou, 2008;Bunce & Willower, 2001). Recently, research evidence has begun to suggest that the culture (or subculture) within school counseling departments is critical to students' college-going decisions, including decisions regarding whether students have contact with their counselors for college admissions and financial aid counseling, or apply to and enroll in college (Belasco, 2013;Bryan, Kim et al, 2022;Bryan et al, 2011;Engberg & Gilbert, 2014;Fitzpatrick, 2019;Goodwin et al, 2016).…”

“…More specifically, research indicates that students' participation in college admissions and financial aid counseling in 12th grade are important steps on the pathway to college and precursors to whether students apply to and enroll in college (Fitzpatrick, 2019;Robinson & Roksa, 2016). Through college admissions and financial aid counseling, school counselors provide students with critical college-related information, such as knowledge about and assistance with the college application and enrollment process and financial aid assistance and advice (Bryan, Kim et al, 2022). Students of color and those from lowincome backgrounds especially appear to benefit from college admissions and financial aid counseling (Bryan et al, 2011).…”

“…Navigating concerns over the cost of college, completing financial aid forms, completing college application forms, and accepting a college offer can prove to be intimidating for students without access to college information in their homes and schools and who face barriers to college application and enrollment, which is more likely for students from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds (Cabrera & La Nasa, 2001). When students receive college information and counseling from school counselors, their college application numbers and college enrollment rates increase (Belasco, 2013;Bryan, Kim et al, 2022;Bryan et al, 2011;Robinson & Roksa, 2016).…”