January 9, 2001

Contact Pauline Austin (541) 346-3129

EUGENE–A new study at the University of Oregon will examine how the adoption of Asian children by whites affects the development of racial identity.

"There is a perception that Asian Americans belong to a ‘model minority group’ that is easily absorbed into American society. Previous studies indicate that isn’t so," says researcher Mia Tuan, a UO assistant professor of sociology.

Asian Americans are racially stereotyped in two ways, according to Tuan.

"Some people see them as ‘forever’ foreigners. Others see them as honorary whites," she says.

"We want to know how Asian adoptees maneuver in this culture and in what ways their sense of ethnicity differs from Asian Americans who were not adopted," says researcher Jiannbin Lee Shiao, who is also a UO assistant professor of sociology.

The study, which is funded through a $145,000 grant from the Russell Sage Foundation, is being conducted in cooperation with Holt International Children’s Services. The Eugene agency was a pioneer in the adoption of Asian children by American families.

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