A Conceptual Framework for Examining the Asian Model-Minority Stereotype: the Target’s Perspective

East Asians living in Western contexts have been stereotyped with both positive and negative attributes (Fiske et al, 2002). They are perceived as being ambitious, disciplined, and achievement-oriented, but also as being antisocial, nerdy, and emotionally reserved. This mixed portrayal is referred to as the model minority stereotype (MMS) and it is held by many non-Asians residing in the West. But how are these stereotypes perceived or even internalized by Asians who also share the same countries of residence? We will present a conceptual model for understanding the experience of being stereotyped as a model-minority. This model examines the cognitive underpinnings of, and the affective responses to, the MMS. The model also addresses potential downstream effects of the stereotype on outcomes such as acculturation and well-being. We will further present data from one study that seeks to test certain aspects of our conceptual model. The study used both qualitative (open-ended responses) and quantitative (multi-item measures assessing the components of the MMS such as Competence and (Un)Sociability) approaches to assess the degree to which Asian Canadians and European Canadians have knowledge of and believe in the MMS. The study also examined the internalization of the MMS and how it relates to well-being for Asian Canadians. Preliminary analyses of both the qualitative and quantitative responses indicate that both groups attributed more positive traits from the MMS to East Asian Canadians than to European Canadians. Correlations also indicated that the more East Asians internalized certain aspect of the MMS the less was their life satisfaction.