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The Korean Americans
Korean Americans are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States. Although they share many similar cultural characteristics with other Asian Americans, the Korean Americans are unique in terms of their strong ethnic attachment, extensive participation in Christian churches, heavy involvement in self-employed small businesses, wide geographic dispersion in settlement, and the emergence of the 1.5 generation phenomenon. This book answers the following questions for the student or interested
• Who are the Korean people?
• Why did they come to the United States?
• How did they adapt to their new country?
• How are they received by the majority of Americans?
• What are their accomplishments, problems, and contributions to American society?
Other special features
• An extensive coverage on the ethnic background (history, language, religion, customs, and other cultural heritage) of Korean Americans.
• Current statistical data on Korean immigration to the United States.
• A comprehensive analysis of socioeconomic characteristics of Korean Americans as compared with those of other minority groups.
• A succinct analysis of the unique characteristics of Korean Americans.
• Effective use of personal narratives.
In 1970 there were about 70,000 Korean Americans―the number grew tenfold to about 790,000 in 1990. The Korean American population is now estimated at well over a million, and demographic projections indicate that the number will reach about three million by the year 2030. Korean Americans are thus among the new groups of Americans to become another integral part of the American history of cultural pluralism and ethnic diversity. Examined are the most significant areas of Korean American's adaptation―economic adjustment, sociocultural adaptation, family life, ethnic associations, intergroup relations, and psychological adjustment. In each area of adaptation, positive attainment as well as the problems of adjustment are analyzed in light of current theories and empirical research. The book concludes with a discussion of the unique characteristics of Korean Americans and their impact on society.
• Who are the Korean people?
• Why did they come to the United States?
• How did they adapt to their new country?
• How are they received by the majority of Americans?
• What are their accomplishments, problems, and contributions to American society?
Other special features
• An extensive coverage on the ethnic background (history, language, religion, customs, and other cultural heritage) of Korean Americans.
• Current statistical data on Korean immigration to the United States.
• A comprehensive analysis of socioeconomic characteristics of Korean Americans as compared with those of other minority groups.
• A succinct analysis of the unique characteristics of Korean Americans.
• Effective use of personal narratives.
In 1970 there were about 70,000 Korean Americans―the number grew tenfold to about 790,000 in 1990. The Korean American population is now estimated at well over a million, and demographic projections indicate that the number will reach about three million by the year 2030. Korean Americans are thus among the new groups of Americans to become another integral part of the American history of cultural pluralism and ethnic diversity. Examined are the most significant areas of Korean American's adaptation―economic adjustment, sociocultural adaptation, family life, ethnic associations, intergroup relations, and psychological adjustment. In each area of adaptation, positive attainment as well as the problems of adjustment are analyzed in light of current theories and empirical research. The book concludes with a discussion of the unique characteristics of Korean Americans and their impact on society.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 15, 2025
Pretty decent for what it is.
It's quite fascinating reading an informational book about Korean Americans published pre-Hallyu. A lot of the information is outdated now, so reading this book feels like looking into a snapshot frozen in time regarding national perceptions of Korea/Korean Americans. The LA Riots would have fairly recent at the time it came out; I think that some of the takes in here regarding the incident reflect that.
A lot of the statistical data and interviews were pulled out of one specific Chicago-area study, so I wonder the extent to which the results can be generalized to Korean Americans as a whole.
There's a list in the back of the book that lists "famous Korean Americans", and I don't think I recognized any of them (except for the few Asian Americanists thrown into the end). Crazy how much Korean America has changed since the 90s.
It's quite fascinating reading an informational book about Korean Americans published pre-Hallyu. A lot of the information is outdated now, so reading this book feels like looking into a snapshot frozen in time regarding national perceptions of Korea/Korean Americans. The LA Riots would have fairly recent at the time it came out; I think that some of the takes in here regarding the incident reflect that.
A lot of the statistical data and interviews were pulled out of one specific Chicago-area study, so I wonder the extent to which the results can be generalized to Korean Americans as a whole.
There's a list in the back of the book that lists "famous Korean Americans", and I don't think I recognized any of them (except for the few Asian Americanists thrown into the end). Crazy how much Korean America has changed since the 90s.
Displaying 1 of 1 review