Asian Working Research Articles

Longitudinal association between nonstandard work schedule and depressive symptoms

Abstract Background Nonstandard work schedules (NSWSs) have been linked to increased risk of depression, but the evidence is mostly from cross-sectional studies and data on the risk distribution across various groups is lacking. We examined the impact of different NSWSs on depressive symptoms and assessed effect modification by sex, ethnicity, and immigrant status. Methods We used five waves of longitudinal data from the Understanding Society, the UK Household Longitudinal Study, which were collected biennially from 2010/11 to 2018/19. The study sample comprised 11371 employed workers aged 16 to 58 years in 2010/11. Generalised estimating equation with logistic regression was used to assess crude and adjusted effects of NSWS types (work time arrangement, work hours, and weekend working) on depressive symptoms. Independent correlation was specified in all the models. Complete-case and multiple imputation analyses were performed. Results After adjusting for confounders, only weekend work was associated with depressive symptoms. Workers who worked most/all (OR 1.24; 95%CI 1.13 - 1.37) or some (OR 1.10; 95%CI 1.02 - 1.18) weekends had a higher risk of depressive symptoms than workers who did not work on weekends. Ethnicity modified the association between work hours and depressive symptoms, indicating a higher risk among White workers working > 40 hours/week (OR 1.10; 95%CI 1.02 - 1.20) and Asian workers working <35 hours/week (OR 1.72; 95%CI 1.32 - 2.25) compared to White workers working 35-40 hours/week. No effect modification by sex or immigrant status was observed. The results were the same as those obtained from the imputation model. Conclusions Weekend work, long work hours (for White workers), or working < 35 hours/week (for Asian workers) were associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms. These findings indicate the need to review the working conditions of workers exposed to NSWSs, especially those working on weekends and Asian workers who work part-time. Key messages • Weekend work schedule is associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms among employed workers in the UK. • The effect of work hours on depressive symptoms varies by ethnicity.

Settler Homesteading, Hawaiian Homesteading, and the Failed Mission of Americanization in Early Territorial Hawai'i

Abstract: In the early twentieth century, the US federal government created homesteading programs to "Americanize" Hawai'i by encouraging the mass settlement of white families "of good character" to Hawai'i, but to little avail. This essay analyzes a 1912 hearing about the failure of white homesteading in the Territory of Hawai'i, focusing on discourses of race and land use by settler and 'Ōiwi testifiers. Federal leaders and Territory proponents of homesteading mapped the familiar racial formations of vanishing Natives, alien Asians, and white pioneers onto Kānaka 'Ōiwi, Asian plantation workers, and white American homesteaders to further their cause. 'Ōiwi political leaders Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole and Charles Kahiliaulani Notley intervened; although they approached the question of "Americanization" differently from one another, both manipulated and rejected elements of that racial framework according to a shared goal: to get their people back on the land.

Why and how the interpersonal stressors influence nurses' intention to stay and job satisfaction: the JD-R model perspective

PurposeInterpersonal stressors are a major source of stress for East Asian workers. It is still a major management issue in hospital management. This study focuses on clarifying the stress response processes of interpersonal stressors. The moderating effects of gratitude and employee assistance programs were considered.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires were distributed to hospital workers in a regional hospital in the city; a total of 288 valid and matched surveys were collected.FindingsThe results showed interpersonal stressors negatively affected job satisfaction, and interpersonal resources positively affected intention to stay and job satisfaction. In addition, gratitude had a moderating effect on the relationship between interpersonal stressors and emotional burnout, and awareness of employee assistant programs had a moderating effect on the relationship between interpersonal resources and work engagement.Originality/valueThis study seeks to elucidate the working conditions of nurses and may serve as a reference for hospitals in implementing or drafting labor conditions and policies for stress management.

Introduction to the special issue: Asian diaspora theorizing: defying Racism~Re-imagining alternate Nows~Invigorating otherwise futures

ABSTRACT This is an introductory article to Part I of a special issue series entitled, “Asian Diaspora Theorizing: Defying Racism~Re-imagining Alternate Nows~Invigorating Otherwise Futures.” This special issue is a trilogy of our Asian diaspora studies project: Asian diasporas as theories, Asian diasporas as methodologies, and Asian diasporas as praxes. Part II of this special issue will appear in DIME 19(2) in 2025. This special issue features the cutting-edge work of Asian diaspora educational workers who engage in diaspora theorizing, where we rememorize our diaspora histories and critically examine ourselves, our works, and our lives to defy racism, re-imagine alternate nows, and invigorate otherwise futures.

Public opinion, racial bias and labour market outcomes in the USA.

Here we study the role of negative shifts in public opinion in the economic lives of under-represented racial groups by investigating sudden changes in views towards Asian people following the anti-Chinese rhetoric that emerged with the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated changes in employment status and earnings in the US labour market. Using data from the Current Population Survey, we find that, unlike other under-represented groups, Asian workers in occupations or industries with a higher likelihood of face-to-face interactions before the pandemic were more likely to become unemployed afterwards. While widespread along the political spectrum, negative shifts in the perceived favourability of Asian people, and not of other under-represented groups, were much stronger among those who voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and could have been more influenced by the anti-Asian rhetoric.

Decoding the networking strategies of Asian and Black workers in the London Insurance Market

PurposeThis study utilizes Bourdieu’s concepts of field, capital and habitus to investigate the networking strategies of Asian and Black knowledge workers in the London Insurance Market. It also examines the factors contributing to the success or failure of these strategies. The trading activities of the London Insurance Market are underpinned by interdependent relations among its participants. It provides an appropriate context for examining the networking strategies adopted by Asian and Black workers to accelerate their careers.Design/methodology/approachThis research employed a qualitative methodology, gathering data from 24 participants through semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected using purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling methods. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data and develop aggregated concepts from the identified themes and subthemes.FindingsThe London Insurance Market accords great importance to networking. Interpersonal connections significantly influenced career progression, often overshadowing educational attainments. Asian and Black workers faced systemic nepotism and limited access to influential networks in this field. Participants strategically used their interactions to overcome these challenges and advance their careers. Many believed that their careers had a better chance of progressing through informal networks than through formal channels such as Human Resources. Some participants declined to engage in the commonly accepted networking practices, choosing alternative ways to further their careers.Practical implicationsFindings underscore the need for implementing specific organizational policies to address systemic biases and nepotism, particularly in front-office recruitment. Such policies could include prioritizing merit-based hiring practices and developing targeted initiatives to reduce the underrepresentation of minority ethnic workers in front-office positions. By adopting these measures, organizations can create more equitable career advancement opportunities and leverage the full potential of their diverse workforce.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature on minority ethnic workers' careers, networking theory and workplace diversity. It provides insights into the networking strategies of Asian and Black workers within the London Insurance Market, revealing that these strategies are dependent on contextual factors. The study also highlights the pervasive practice of nepotism deeply ingrained in the habitus of the London Insurance Market and which acts as a barrier for gaining access to influential networks.

Correlates of HIV Testing Among Asian Immigrant Female Sex Workers in New York City and Los Angeles County.

This analysis examined correlates of HIV testing among Asian immigrant female sex workers in massage parlors. We interviewed 69 Chinese and Korean immigrant women who provided sexual services in massage parlors in New York City or Los Angeles County (2014-2016). Multivariable logistic regression results showed that participants who were younger, have lived in the U.S. for a longer period of time, had greater English proficiency, perceived higher HIV risk, or were living with an intimate partner were more likely to have had an HIV test. Disclosing sex work to a close friend was also positively associated with HIV testing at p < .1. These correlates may reflect differential access to information, systems, and social networks that would facilitate HIV testing, highlighting the importance of reducing social isolation and increasing HIV education, especially for older women who have come to the U.S. more recently. As the literature has indicated that Asian immigrant female sex workers experience high rates of intersectional stigma, efforts to mitigate these intersecting stigmas could further these objectives.

Unemployed, Immigrant, and Older Asian Workers in a U.S.-Based Job-Training Program: Their Experiences and Well-Being, and Strategies for Reaching This Important Population

ABSTRACT The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a U.S.-based job-training program that serves unemployed workers aged 55 and older with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. While federal funds are set aside to serve Asian workers in SCSEP, little is known about their characteristics and experiences. In response, this pilot study aimed to document the health, well-being, and experiences of older Asian SCSEP participants in Massachusetts through the completion of a survey. Respondents (N = 39) ranged in age from 58 to 73 and identified as either Chinese (72%) or Vietnamese (28%). All were immigrants, and almost all spoke a language other than English at home. Most reported “good” health as well as financial difficulties. They also stated that their supervisors in their placements were supportive. On average, respondents noted moderate interest in searching for a paid job after exiting SCSEP, although more reported interest in searching for a volunteer role. Key to the success of this study was a robust collaboration with a local human services organization with strong ties to the Chinese and Vietnamese communities. The findings highlight the importance of this growing group of older workers.

Poor personal protective equipment practices were associated with heat-related symptoms among Asian healthcare workers: a large-scale multi-national questionnaire survey

BackgroundIt is pertinent to understand the perceptions of healthcare workers (HCWs) with their associated personal protective equipment (PPE) usage and heat strain symptoms experienced to effectively combat the negative effects of heat stress during treatment and care activities.MethodsWe evaluated the associated heat stress perceived by HCWs across Asia and validated a questionnaire on perceptions of heat stress, associated PPE usage, and heat strain symptoms experienced. The questionnaire was administered to 3,082 HCWs in six Asian regions. Factor analyses, including Cronbach’s alpha, assessed the questionnaire’s validity and reliability. Structural equation modelling analysed the effects of knowledge, attitudes and practices, and heat strain symptoms.ResultsThe questionnaire was found to be reliable in assessing HCWs’ knowledge, and attitudes and practices towards heat stress and PPE usage (both Cronbach’s alpha = 0.9), but not heat strain symptoms (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.6). Despite knowledge of heat stress, HCWs had negative attitudes and practices regarding PPE usage (β1 = 0.6, p < 0.001). Knowledge (path coefficient = 0.2, p < 0.001), and negative attitudes and practices (path coefficient = 0.2, p < 0.001) of HCWs towards heat stress and PPE usage adversely affected symptoms experienced.ConclusionsThe questionnaire was not reliable in assessing symptoms. HCWs should, nevertheless, still self-assess their symptoms for early detection of heat strain. To effectively attenuate heat strain, understanding HCWs’ attitudes and practices towards PPE usage should guide policymakers in implementing targeted heat management strategies.

Combating the Slow Economic Violence of Rescue

Abstract: This paper contributes to the growing consensus of voices who articulate how the newfound North American consciousness around “anti-Asian hate” must connect individual acts of violence to structural forms of state and white supremacist violence. Focusing on the policing of Asian massage work, the essay argues that this unique human-itarian commitment reflects the slow economic violence of rescue. It contextualizes the 2021 Atlanta massage murders alongside the work of Red Canary Song (RCS), a grassroots coalition of migrant massage workers, sex workers, and allies organizing against the policing of massage work in New York. The essay echoes an abolitionist call to not only dismantle policing and punishment mechanisms—as these forms of policing have penetrated most aspects of civilian life—but demands the urgency to build a vast network of community resources coupled with imaginative ways of organizing. Abolitionist feminist frameworks must necessarily encompass economic justice, migrant justice, housing justice, and language justice to name a few. One strategy espoused by RCS builds worker power and the capacity for organizing towards the decriminalization of poverty, migration, and low-wage informal and sex work alike. For Asian migrant workers, the fight for justice is not only about the resources needed to live, sleep, and work safely, it is also about changing the deep-seated mix of paternalism and resentment that refuses to acknowledge Asian working-class communities to ability to make choices within constraints.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain Among Healthcare Workers in Asia

Intorduction: Low Back Pain is a musculoskeletal disorder and not a disease. Among healthcare workers (HCw), this is the disorder they experience most often, and knowledge about the prevalence of of low back pain (LBP) and its risk factors among healthcare workers is important to determine appropriate training for them The purpose of this study was to identify the magnitude of low back pain (LBP) problems in HCw as well as to determine which risk factors are determinants. Method: This study used a systematic review via meta-analysis guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: Through a search of 13 articles from several countries in Asia, which analyzed 5753 respondents (1080 or 18.8% were males and 4673 or 81.2% were females), the average prevalence of LBP was 58.1%. This value was calculated without estimating the time span of its occurrence. If this range was calculated, of the 11 articles that calculated the lifetime incidence of LBP, the average was 60%. The risk factors were manual patient removal, heavy object lifting, sex, age, stress, type of work, workplace environment, and work duration. Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence, and there are still many risk factors for LBP that require special attention. Healthcare workers are advised to pay attention to ergonomics and working behavior, while hospital leaders are advised to conduct training on the risk factors of LBP.

Biomonitoring of Exposures to Solvents and Metals in Electronics Manufacturing Facilities in Batam, Indonesia.

Concerns about chemical exposure in the electronics manufacturing industry have long been recognized, but data are lacking in Southeast Asia. We conducted a study in Batam, Indonesia, to evaluate chemical exposures in electronics facilities, using participatory research and biological monitoring approaches. A convenience sample of 36 workers (28 exposed, 8 controls) was recruited, and urine samples were collected before and after shifts. Five solvents (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, benzene, and xylenes) were found in 46%-97% of samples, and seven metals (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, tin, antimony, lead, and vanadium) were detected in 60%-100% of samples. Biological monitoring and participatory research appeared to be useful in assessing workers' exposure when workplace air monitoring is not feasible due to a lack of cooperation from the employer. Several logistical challenges need to be addressed in future biomonitoring studies of electronics workers in Asia in factories where employers are reluctant to track workers' exposure and health.

A queer footnote

AbstractAnthropological accounts of sexual and gendered difference often serve the role of footnotes that buttress and even expand the reach of Euro‐American concepts. In contrast to this contained role for anthropology, queer footnotes can push the discipline toward more capacious and experimental engagements with powerful knowledge. In 2020, governments around the world introduced lockdowns and border‐control measures in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. This was the case in Australia, where I undertook fieldwork with trans‐ and queer Indonesians living in Melbourne. In Australia, COVID‐19 public health measures paralleled and exacerbated migration restrictions on people living with HIV and the criminalization of sex work. Asian, queer, trans‐, and sex worker bodies were addressed as a moral and physiological contagion. Queer anthropology is good for maintaining a critical ethnographic focus on how the state governs through a racial biopolitics of containment, and generates concepts for public health that shift the focus from security to care.

Asian American social workers’ experiences and perspectives on anti-Asian hate

Summary The rise in anti-Asian hate since the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges that Asian Americans in the United States (U.S.) experience with xenophobia, racism, and the “model-minority stereotype.” The model-minority stereotype is a misleading myth that has been pervasively attached to the Asian American identity and experiences. Thus, it can serve as a useful framework to understand experiences in the current anti-Asian hate climate. In this exploratory qualitative study, the investigators interviewed Asian American social workers ( N = 17), highlighting their perspectives and experiences during the anti-Asian hate climate, with attention paid to how the model minority stereotype was contextualized among participants. Findings The resounding tone underlying participants’ model-minority stereotype-related discussions was the need to counter the model minority stereotype. Notably, the model-minority stereotype was contextualized differently for participants and three themes were identified: (1) limbo between model minority and perpetual foreigner status; (2) impacts on the social worker role and in the organizational setting; and (3) impacts on advocacy work. Applications Study findings suggest a need for continued support and opportunities to unlearn and relearn the purpose of the model-minority stereotype and its broad sweep and attacks on various health dimensions (physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually) across Asian Americans ethnic groups. Countering the model-minority stereotype can play a pivotal role in transforming the narratives surrounding Asian American's identity and experiences in the U.S., in addition to organizational culture and dynamics to support Asian Americans social workers practice and advocacy work across practice levels.

Impact of the Pandemic on Occupational Employment by Race

This article examines the impact of the pandemic on occupational employment by race and ethnicity. United States federal EEO laws related to race led to increased labor force diversity prior to the pandemic. Still, they did not prevent differential outcomes during the pandemic. Previous research examined total employment by race during the pandemic, and this research extends that body of knowledge by examining post-pandemic outcomes and analyzing the extent to which occupational segregation impacted employment outcomes. The data indicate that occupational segregation did not cause the pandemic related rate of employment declines by race. Specifically, Black and Asian workers had the highest rates of layoffs compared to White and Hispanic workers. However, Black workers were heavily represented in high-layoff occupations, and Asian workers in low-layoff occupations.

Perceived Discrimination in Australia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Longitudinal Study.

There have been global reports of increased discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic relative to the pre-pandemic era, though this has not been well explored within Australia. The aim of the study was to characterise discriminatory behaviour experienced by groups previously identified as most at risk of experiencing discrimination (i.e. those of Asian descent or healthcare workers) both from pre-pandemic to pandemic and during the pandemic era in Australia. From April 2020 to September 2021, 1479 Australian adults completed the everyday discrimination scale (EDS). Initially, participants were asked to retrospectively consider discrimination experienced pre-COVID-19 pandemic and then to consider experiences in the past month during the pandemic. Participants were invited to repeat the latter every 2 months. Collectively, there was a reduction in EDS scores from pre-pandemic to pandemic. Within the pandemic era, mean trajectory graphs across time revealed that changes in EDS scores in the 'non-Asian healthcare workers' and 'Asian healthcare workers' subgroups tended to mirror onto fluctuations in Australian COVID-19 case numbers. Our findings suggest social solidarity amongst the general Australian population during the pandemic, but still highlight a need to dedicate resources towards groups with heightened risk of experiencing discrimination during future public health threats.

Changes in the Treatment of Chinese Americans

The COVID-19 epidemic is spreading worldwide, especially in the United States. Since the large-scale outbreak of the epidemic in the United States in March 2020, Asian Americans have also faced the secondary threat of "racism" and "Asian hatred" due to the COVID-19 virus. They have become the targets of persistent harassment and attacks by diehard Asian haters. Discriminatory words and deeds against Asian Americans have also spread in American society like the covid-19 virus and become an event sweeping across the United States. The rising anti-Asian incidents in the United States not only focused the attention of American society, but also attracted the worlds attention. At the same time, it is not difficult to recall the anti-Asian situation in the United States at the end of the 19th century. The Opium War broke out in China in 1840. Therefore, many Chinese citizens chose to make a living in the more developed United States. At first, Asian workers were welcomed by industrialists because of their low wages and hard-working characteristics. They were regarded as "exceptional cultures from a distant land". However, with the increasing number of Asian Americans during the gold rush, American citizens and officials gradually changed their attitudes towards Asian Americans. Finally, in 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act was established to restrict Asians from entering their territory. This article will analyze the changes in Americans' attitudes towards Asian Americans at the end of the 19th century to explore the reasons behind them, and take this opportunity to hopefully shed some light on how we should face racism today during the pandemic.

The need for a multi-level approach to occupational safety and health among Asian and Asian American beauty service workers

Asian and Asian Americans (A/AA) are a group overlooked in general health outcomes but especially occupational safety and health outcomes. In the United States, the beauty service microbusiness industry (e.g., nail salons) predominantly employs immigrant Asian women who regularly encounter a plethora of occupational hazards (e.g., harmful chemical exposures -toluene, formaldehyde, bloodborne pathogens, fungi. However, due to the precariousness of beauty service jobs, cultural and linguistic barriers, and social determinants of health, A/AA beauty service workers face complex occupational safety and health challenges that require interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural competency to address. This commentary will discuss a multi-level approach including specific outreach partners that will offer the required diverse skillsets necessary for improving the occupational safety and health for this worker population in this microbusiness industry. Implications and suggestions for interventions and policy changes are also recommended utilizing the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities’ Research Framework.

Inequalities in access to paid sick leave among workers in England and Wales.

It is poorly understood which workers lack access to sick pay in England and Wales. This evidence gap has been of particular interest in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic given the relationship between presenteeism and infectious disease transmission. This cross-sectional analysis (n=8874) was nested within a large community cohort study based across England and Wales (Virus Watch). An online survey in February 2021 asked participants in work if they had access to paid sick leave. We used logistic regression to examine sociodemographic factors associated with lacking access to sick pay. Only 66% (n=5864) of participants reported access to sick pay. South Asian workers (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.83) and those from Other minority ethnic backgrounds (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.54-5.59) were more likely to lack access to sick pay compared to White British workers. Older workers (OR range 1.72 [1.53-1.93]-5.26 [4.42-6.26]), workers in low-income households (OR 2.53, 95% CI 2.15-2.98) and those in transport, trade, and service occupations (OR range 2.03 [1.58-2.61]-5.29 [3.67-7.72]) were also more likely to lack access to sick pay compared respectively to workers aged 25-44, those in high income households and managerial occupations. Unwarranted age and ethnic inequalities in sick pay access are suggestive of labour market discrimination. Occupational differences are also cause for concern. Policymakers should consider expanding access to sick pay to mitigate transmission of Covid-19 and other endemic respiratory infections in the community, and in the context of pandemic preparation.

Mitigating destructive deviance in organisations: assessing the role of perceived HRM practices and perceived organisational support

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to empirically examine how the seven human resource management (HRM) practises, namely, leadership development, professional investment, egalitarian practises, developmental appraisals, family-friendly practises, engagement practises and generous benefits, are associated with perceived organisational support (POS) and destructive deviance in the context of Indian organisational culture.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 265 middle-level IT personnel provided the study's data. To test the suggested study hypotheses, confirmatory factor analysis and PROCESS Macros were used.FindingsResults show that putting in place leadership development, professional investment, egalitarian practises, developmental appraisal, family-friendly practises, engagement practises and generous benefits generates POS that, in turn, significantly contributes to reducing destructive deviance. Additionally, POS was found to partially mediate the relationship between perceived HRM practises and destructive deviance.Research limitations/implicationsThe results would help firms reduce detrimental employee deviation. To do this, managers must develop and put into effect the seven HRM practises, which demonstrate to workers that the organisation appreciates their contributions and cares about their well-being, thereby lowering disruptive deviance. In essence, IT businesses should carefully plan and implement the HRM practises they expressly want to use rather than mindlessly copying those of rival organisations. Furthermore, to adapt to the workforce's evolving needs, these HRM practises must be properly matched with both individual and organisational goals.Originality/valueBy including destructive deviance as a result of POS, this study adds to the body of research on organisational support theory. The literature on POS and negative behaviours will take a new turn with such a focus on destructive deviance. Additionally, this study encourages academics to investigate an underlying mechanism that accounts for how HRM practises affect employees' conduct. This study also adds to the sparse body of knowledge on POS for non-Western workers. The study's findings confirm that POS is a crucial concept for both Asian and Western workers.