Exploring Beliefs & Identity: The Internal & External World of Asian Americans Open Access

Abstract

This is an exploratory study investigating beliefs held by Asian Americans specifically about the concepts of success and well-being. Belief systems are considered in relation to different aspects of identity– seeking to better understand the complex relationship between beliefs and identity. The investigation of belief systems and identity for Asian Americans is conducted through semi-structured interviews with Korean Americans and a Chinese American. This study finds success and well-being are conceptualized in holistic and affective ways that demonstrate these concepts as interconnected to one another. Two aspects of identity, low economic status and religion, are identified and further explored as shaping these belief systems. Through the review of individuals’ lived experiences and beliefs, the nuances of belief systems, attributes of identity, and how they are related for Asian Americans are better understood. 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 

Chapter One: Introduction........................................................................................................... 1

Chapter Two: Literature Review................................................................................................11 Introduction........................................................................................................................ 11

Beliefs & Identity...............................................................................................................11 Race....................................................................................................................................14 Asian American Identity & Beliefs About Success...........................................................17 Asian American Identity & Beliefs About Well-Being..................................................... 23 Beliefs About Success & About Well-Being..................................................................... 28 Conclusion......................................................................................................................... 30

Chapter Three: Beliefs About Success & Well-Being...............................................................31

Introduction........................................................................................................................ 31 Preface: Success and Well-Being.......................................................................................32 Success............................................................................................................................... 33 Well-Being......................................................................................................................... 39 Success & Well-Being: Overlap........................................................................................ 44 Conclusion......................................................................................................................... 47

Chapter Four: Influences of Identity on Beliefs........................................................................48

Introduction........................................................................................................................ 48 Low-Income....................................................................................................................... 49 Church & Religion.............................................................................................................59 Conclusion......................................................................................................................... 72

Chapter Five: Conclusion............................................................................................................74

Summary............................................................................................................................ 74 Limitations......................................................................................................................... 78 Closing Remarks................................................................................................................80

Appendix I.................................................................................................................................... 82

Introduction and Study Overview............................................................................................82 Consent.................................................................................................................................... 84

Appendix II...................................................................................................................................85

References..................................................................................................................................... 86 

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Anthropology
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Anthropology, Cultural
Keyword	success well-being belief systems identity Asian American
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Chikako Ozawa-de Silva, Emory University Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, Emory University
Committee Members	Chris Suh, Emory University

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