An Assessment of Japanese American Assimilation, Pluralism, and Subordination

Abstract

Japanese Americans are an atypical American minority with traits characteristic of both European immigrants and subordinated racial groups. They provide a test for the influence of relatively free labor versus racial minority statuses. Japanese American assimilation, pluralism, and subordination are assessed with census data and with generation-specific surveys by the Japanese American Research Project. Assimilation trends in language, residence, primary relations, exogamy, and socioeconomic status affirm parallels with voluntary European immigrants. Continuing pluralism is indicated in value systems, family relations, and community participation. However, ratio indicators confirm that racial subordination persists, even among highly educated, professional Japanese Americans.