UC Irvine

In this dissertation, I investigate the complex relationships between Asian American identity (pan-ethnic, ethnic, gender) and political participation (electoral and non-electoral). I utilize a multi-method approach with both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to understand these relationships. In chapter 1, using the National Asian American Survey in 2008, I analyzed the effects of socioeconomic status, political efficacy, social connectedness, immigrant generation, pan-ethnic identity, and ethnic identity on both electoral and non-electoral political participation. Results were supportive of previous research and hypotheses with a key highlight of pan-ethnic and ethnic identity. Pan-ethnic identity was positively related to electoral political participation and ethnic identity was positively related to non-electoral political participation. To further investigate this relationship between identity and political participation, in chapters 2 and 3 I conducted a study interviewing 13 Asian American women leaders in political non-profit organizations across the United States. In chapter 2, I found that respondents utilized their ethnic and pan-ethnic identities to motivate and justify their careers in politics and leadership. Specifically, their understanding and connection to their family’s immigration stories were critical to why they decided to study race or politics and eventually become leaders in the political arena. In chapter 3, I investigated themes of gender and race (intersectional) identity of Asian American women in how they navigated their current positions and work. I found that Asian American women, although explicitly in leadership positions, still felt constraints of gendered expectations and stereotypes both from within and outside their community. However, respondents felt a need to push on for future generations of Asian American women and to persevere despite any backlash. This dissertation will contribute to the gap in both political participation and Asian American identity literature and provide richness to understanding of how to mobilize an important and quickly growing racial group in the United States.