Full Citation
Title: Assimilation and Rising Taiwanese Identity: Taiwan-born Immigrants in the United States, 1990-2000
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2009
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Abstract: This study examines why a growing percentage of Taiwan-bornimmigrants in the U.S. have identified themselves as Taiwanese rather thanethnic Chinese in the U.S. decennial censuses between 1990 and 2000. Thetrend appears inconsistent with the assimilation theory, which postulatesthat ethnic groups will become more detached from ethnic politics andidentity the longer they stay in the United States. The application of adouble cohort method enables us to separate the period effect from theduration effect, which is critical to analyzing the changes. Results showsharp temporal differentiation and large geographical variation. The oldergeneration of Taiwanese immigrants and recent arrivals to the United States,as well as those who live in Los Angeles, are the most likely to regardthemselves as Taiwanese rather than ethnic Chinese. In contrast, Taiwanbornimmigrants who have greater English proficiency, who have lesseducation, and who have [mainland] Chinese as their neighbors are lesslikely to do so.Moreover, age-at-arrival is a key determinant in identity formation andchange. Those who came to the U.S. when they were young are least likelyto regard themselves as Taiwanese. Over time, Taiwan-born immigrantshave indeed become more acculturated. Young Taiwan-born immigrantswho came to the U.S. before the 1970s are least likely to make a switch toTaiwanese during the period. However, acculturation alone does not preventone from claiming Taiwanese identity on the census form. For Taiwan-bornimmigrants, writing in Taiwanese on the census form appears to be a"rebellious" or "awakening" act and a symbolic expression of solidaritywith their compatriots in Taiwan, empowered by a growing sense ofTaiwanese consciousness. Globalizationmay now have allowed immigrantsto maintain a closer tie with their country of origin than before, especiallyin times of crisis.
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Authors: Nora Chiang, Lan-Hung; Yu, Zhou
Periodical (Full): Journal of Population Studies
Issue:
Volume: 38
Pages: 115-160
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Race and Ethnicity
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