“We Really Have to Come Together”: Understanding the Role of Solidarity in Asian American College Students’ Social Justice Activism and Advocacy

Abstract

Structural oppression continues to be one of the most pressing problems in U.S. society, and college students have always played a major role in addressing systemic inequities. Yet, much remains to be learned about the experiences of students advocating social justice in higher education, and there is a paucity of research on Asian American students involved in such efforts. This study sought to understand how Asian American undergraduates understand the role of solidarity in social justice work. The authors analyzed interviews with Asian American students engaged in social justice activism and advocacy in the Midwest. Findings show that participants recognized interconnected realities among oppressed communities, centered solidarity in social justice work because of this recognition, and utilized intersectional approaches to integrate solidarity into social justice activism and advocacy. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Reinforcing or challenging the status quo: A grounded theory of how the model minority myth shapes Asian American activism.

“…They felt empowered to engage in activism to disrupt the MMM, which had been conditioned into them through familial, cultural, and societal sources. Several participants engaged in campus-based activism through social justice education programs that worked to “myth-bust” the MMM, which supports previous research on how college environments can facilitate actions to challenge the status quo (Museus et al, 2021; Yi & Todd, 2020). Also, participants expressed hopefulness about the impacts of their activism on addressing societal inequality and the future directions of Asian American activism.…”

“…J. Kim, 2023). Additionally, this study offered unique perspectives on the consequences of the MMM because, unlike some previous qualitative investigations on Asian American college student activism (e.g., Chan, 2011; Museus et al, 2021), participants in this sample displayed diverse viewpoints and levels of engagement in activism. Several participants never engaged in activism, may have internalized the MMM, and perceived Asian Americans as less worthy of own-group activism, compared to other People of Color.…”

Violence Never Ending:case Studi at External Student Organizations in Makassar-Indonesia

“…Hence, students need assistance to be treated fairly in their campus environment. Museus (2021) states that the solidarity shown is different and depends mainly on the condition of a region or institution.…”

“…Mesquita (2001) studied that people with similar cultural backgrounds have strong emotional bonds. Building solidarity is, nevertheless, an Asian American student's political (Museus et al, 2021). According to a study by Museus et al, interethnic justice was created by fostering interethnic unity.…”

“…Regional group members share a strong common bond with their fellow students. When someone has issues, mutual support is displayed to help with the issue at hand (Museus et al, 2021). Those with comparable cultural backgrounds are prone to deep emotional bonds (Mesquita, 2001).…”