Asian American and Pacific Islander parents
and caregivers report themes of optimism, independence, and self-determination.
Their responses reflect an ethos around hard work to help their children
succeed, but they also perceive outside forces they can’t control. They can see
it undercutting their own ability to shape their children’s future.
Optimism
for the Future
The vast majority of Asian American and
Pacific Islander parents agree they are optimistic about the future of this
country for their children. Parents who have lower incomes and parents born
outside the U.S. are especially optimistic.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I am optimistic about the future of this country for my children.”?
“I want my child to have
a better life than I do. The reason we came here is because we all have that
same aspiration, we want our children to have a better life.” Asian American and Pacific
Islander focus group participant, Illinois
Nearly
all Asian American and Pacific Islander parents surveyed cited a strong work
ethic, creativity in solving problems, and a feeling you have the power to
change your family’s situation as their primary strengths and assets in helping
their families get through difficult times.
Q: How important is each of the following in helping your family get through hard times and to succeed?
“Everyday living is a struggle. We just have to push through
it. There’s no failing. Once you have a kid, once you have a family … in my
book, there’s no failing. You have to do what you have to do to survive.” Asian American and Pacific Islander focus group
participant, California
A majority of Asian American and Pacific
Islander parents feel it is very likely that their children will receive a
quality K-12 education, have a chance to go to college/vocational school, and
grow up in a safe neighborhood.
“If my children can study
properly, they will have a brighter future compared to mine.” Asian American and Pacific Islander focus group participant, Texas
Q: Now let me ask you about other experiences your children might have. How likely do you think it is that your children will experience the following during their childhood and teen years?
Limited
Opportunities
At the same time, they recognize limited opportunities for
themselves and their children. Most parents are worried that despite their
efforts to give their children everything for them to succeed, America does not
offer every child the same opportunities.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I try to give my children everything for them to succeed, but I worry that America doesn’t offer every child the same opportunities”?
“I think, when people see that you are of different ethnicity, they will doubt you.” Asian American and Pacific Islander focus group participant, Illinois
These parents have also experienced racism and
discrimination. Asian American and Pacific Islander parents with lower incomes and those who did not attend college are most likely to feel like systemic racism
makes it harder for someone like them to get a good paying job or get good
medical care.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Systemic racism and discrimination can make it harder for someone like me to get a good paying job, live in a safe community, attend quality schools, and get good medical care.”?
“I experienced, at work right now, the worst racism in my life.” Asian American and Pacific Islander focus group participant, California
Additional Reports by Race and Ethnicity
This study includes equal representation of parents and caregivers from five different racial and ethnic backgrounds: Asian American and Pacific Islander as well as Black, Indigenous, Latino, and White. Explore detailed reports of the survey findings for the other groups here.
About the Study
“Raising the Next Generation: A Survey of Parents and Caregivers” examines what it is like to raise children in America today by asking questions to equal numbers of parents and caregivers from five different racial and ethnic groups: Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, Latino, and White. The survey builds on interviews and focus groups conducted over an 18-month period in 16 cities and in seven different languages with parents and caregivers from more than a dozen racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds. The survey and qualitative research were conducted by the nonpartisan research firm PerryUndem and a broad set of partners with culturally specific expertise.
