Chinese Americans, one of the most highly educated groups in the nation, are confronted by a 'glass ceiling', unable to realise full occupational stature and success to match their efforts, concludes a new study from the University of Maryland, reports ScienceDaily. The returns on Chinese Americans' investment in education and 'sweat equity' are "generally lower than those in the general and non-Hispanic white population", says the report. On average Chinese American professionals in law and medicine earn 44% less than white counterparts.


Based on extensive US Census data and independent interviews, the study offers the most comprehensive and current portrait of the highly diverse Chinese American population. The research was conducted by the University of Maryland's Asian American Studies Program with support from OCA, a national community-based organisation of Asian Pacific Americans. The data in the report go through to 2006, the latest available.

"Contrary to popular beliefs, Chinese Americans often face extra barriers to economic success, despite their educational achievements," says principal investigator Larry H Shinagawa, a demographer and Americans Studies professor who directs the University of Maryland Asian American Studies Program.
Full report on the Science Daily site


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