Working in the US for Recent Highly Educated Asian Immigrants and How Social Class Shift Impacted Their Experiences

Abstract

This dissertation utilized the Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) method to understand the work experiences of recently arrived, highly educated Asian immigrants, specifically from Chinese and Taiwanese backgrounds, in the United States. Grounded in the Psychology of Working Theory, the study places a particular emphasis on the role of social class in shaping how immigrants conceptualize decent work and meaningful work as well as how they adapt in order to achieve their desired work experience after immigration. Through CQR analysis, nine distinct domains emerged, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of their professional journeys and the challenges and opportunities Asian immigrants encountered. Each domain is comprehensively explored, offering a deepened understanding of the unique interplay between cultural, educational, and professional dynamics for this specific population. Additionally, this study offers implications for both future research and practice, emphasizing the need for culturally attuned frameworks in understanding the diverse challenges and strengths of this population.