Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

Fall 11-30-2022

Faculty Advisor(s)

Stephany Cuevas

Abstract

Filipinos are often referred to as the “forgotten Asians” or “Latinos of Asia” due to the centuries of colonization in the Philippines. This deficit discourse often minimizes the experiences of Filipino Americans, especially in higher education settings. Filipinos typically are lumped into the greater myth of the Asian model minority, allowing for little research specific to Filipino Americans' experiences. The Filipino American experiences differ from those of other Asian Americans due to their complex history with the United States. Thus, the lack of research in this underrepresented population, especially in higher education, is significant because access to a college degree is vital to social mobility in America. This research study aims to further our understanding of Filipino American motives in their aspirations for higher education. The literature shows that Filipino families emphasize the importance of dependency and a sense of obligation. Filipino American children are told they are ungrateful or shameful if this responsibility is left disappointed. Therefore in aspirations for higher education, Filipino Americans are more likely to go to school due to family commitments. Other researchers have noted that attending college was less about the “college experience” and more about receiving a job to fulfill a familial obligation. Through the use of systematic literature methodology, this study pushes for better serving Filipino Americans and their aspirations for higher education.

Comments

Presented at the Fall 2022 Student Scholar Symposium at Chapman University.

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