Female Asian Immigrants in Honolulu: Adaptation and Success

Abstract

This study focuses on the Chinese Filipino Japanese and Korean female immigrants living in the city and county of Honolulu where 4/5 of the foreign born Asians live. Using data from a 1975 sample survey the following central questions are addressed: How do female Asian immigrant fare economically and socially compared with US-born females having similar characteristics? Are there differences among female Asian immigrants of the different ethnic groups and between the recent (1965-75) female arrivals and earlier female immigrants? Several measures of succes and adaptation are examined both singly and in combination. The data were obtained from a 5% sample survey of all households on Oahu conducted by a local survey firm in April 1975 for the US Office of Equal Opportunity. Among young adults (ages 18-24) Asian immigrants of both sexes show labor force participation rates quite similar to the rates of the total population. Recent arrivals especially females show lower rates whereas the rates of long-term female Asian immigrants are the highest of any group. Young adult Asian immigrants do not seem to be particularly disadvantaged compared with US-born Asians in proportions unemployed and unemployment rates. Long-term young adult Asian immigrants have especially low unemployment rates. In the 25-64 age group compared with the younger group participation rates are higher for males and lower for females no matter what their migration status. US-born Asians have unemployment rates well below those of the total population and long-term Asian immigrants especially the males show almost no unemployment. Most immigrant females hold menial jobs; relatively few are in professional occupations. This is also true for immigrant males. Upward mobility with increasing duration of residence is more evident for males than females. In relation to educational levels the occupational structure of the immigrant females is highly disadvantageous compared with that of US-born Asian females. Incomes of the immigrant females are very low initially but improve substantially with increasing duration of residence.