Maria Zhu, Syracuse University

For decades, Asian Americans have been characterized as a “model minority'' due to perceived successes in educational attainment and labor market outcomes. However, there is a concern that Asians remain underrepresented in top leadership positions in the workplace. This study presents new evidence on the extent of this underrepresentation between US-born Asian American and White men and examines how these differences vary among Asian ethnic subgroups. Results indicate that Asian men are significantly less likely to hold leadership positions compared to White men with similar qualifications. However, Asian men are not underrepresented in other high-paying, non-leadership occupations, suggesting this is a phenomenon unique to leadership occupations. Furthermore, these gaps are only present among East Asian and Southeast Asian men, while South Asian men do not differ from White men in the likelihood of working in leadership occupations. I do not find any evidence that these gaps are driven by racial differences in preferences for leadership positions, although there is some suggestive evidence that discrimination may play a role.

DATE: Friday, April 7, 2023

TIME: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Fronczak 444