The Effect of Niche Occupations on Standard of Living: A Closer Look at Chinese, Filipino, and Asian Indian Immigrants

Authors

Paige Maynard '11, Illinois Wesleyan University

Abstract

This study aims to examine Chinese, Filipino, and Asian Indian immigrants who were part of the U.S. labor force in 2009. The goal of this research is to identify the variables which most accurately influence the standard of living among these three groups once they are a part of U.S. labor market. I hypothesize that those immigrants who receive work in their ethnic niche occupations will have higher standards of living than those who do not work in the niche occupations. This study will focus narrowly on ethnic groups that come to the United States with relatively high levels of educational attainment. While many researchers have focused on immigration collectively, this research will add to existing literature by focusing narrowly on these three unique immigrant groups: Chinese, Filipino, and Asian Indians; and their associated standards of living in relation to occupation. I hypothesize that those immigrants who work in their ethnic niche occupations will have higher standards of living, ceteris paribus, than immigrants who do not.

Recommended Citation

Maynard, Paige '11 (2011) "The Effect of Niche Occupations on Standard of Living: A Closer Look at Chinese, Filipino, and Asian Indian Immigrants," The Park Place Economist: Vol. 19
Available at: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/parkplace/vol19/iss1/11