Natasha Loder parses a new study that seeks to explain why Asian-Americans tend to do so well in school:
Although Asian Americans do often come from better educated and higher income families, socio-demographic factors could not explain the achievement gap between Asians and whites. … Being brainier isn’t the answer either. When the pair looked at cognitive ability as measured by standardised tests, Asian-Americans were not different from their white peers. Instead Dr [Amy] Hsin and Dr [Yu] Xie find that the achievement gap can be explained through harder work—as measured by teacher assessments of student work habits and motivation. (Although the authors warn that this form of assessment will capture both true behavioural differences as well as a teacher’s perception of differences.)
What might explain harder work? The authors point to the fact Asian-Americans are likely to be immigrants or children of immigrants who, as a group, tend to be more optimistic. These are people who have made a big move in search of better opportunities. Immigration is a “manifestation of that optimism through effort, that you can have a better life”. Added to this mix is a general cultural belief among Asian-Americans that achievement comes with effort. We know that children who believe ability is innate are more inclined to give up if something doesn’t come naturally. An understanding that success requires hard work—not merely an aptitude—is therefore useful. This finding is worth bearing in mind when considering the current fuss over new tests in mathematics, as some parents complain that they are now too hard.
Tom Jacobs examines how the study squares with the prevailing theories:
So what about the “tiger mom” hypothesis, which suggests Asian mothers demand more of their kids, and see to it that they achieve?
The study suggests it is, indeed, one factor in their academic success, although—contrary to the stereotype—this approach appears to be more prevalent among immigrants from India than those from China. “South Asian parents have the highest educational expectations relative to whites,” they write, “followed by Filipinos, Southeast Asians, and East Asians.”
Beyond strict mothers, the drive for academic success “is sustained and reinforced” by other factors, including “ethnic communities that offer newly arrived Asian immigrants access to … resources such as supplemental schooling, private tutoring and college preparation,” the researchers add.
Alice Park considers the findings through the lens of her own experience as an Asian-American:
Hsin also found that Asian-American students were more likely to have more self-image problems and more conflicted relationships with their parents than their white counterparts. The pressure to perform seems to take a toll on those who fail to meet expectations as well as those who do – for the latter, the expectation to be successful makes the achievement less satisfactory and less fulfilling.
So Tiger Moms may be on to something, however obvious it may seem: hard work does pay off, albeit at the cost of some self-esteem. But it may be giving them too much credit to say they do it alone. And looking back, I have to admit, however begrudgingly, that all that discipline has probably made me a more organized and confident adult. But don’t tell my mom.
In any case, noted “tiger mom” Amy Chua is feeling pretty vindicated, Max Ehrenfreund reports:
Chua and her husband Jed Rubenfeld, both professors at Yale Law School, contend the study is evidence that aspects of Asian-American culture are partly responsible for Asian children’s good grades. The couple published a new book earlier this year arguing that certain cultural traits can explain the successes of various immigrant groups in the country’s history.
“There can be no doubt that these practices and attitudes are not exclusive to Asians, and can be incredibly helpful to people outside those communities,” Rubenfeld said. The couple added that a mere change in attitude would not be enough to eliminate the obstacles confronting black children. “When it comes to America’s poorest groups, it’s pretty clear what the true causes of poverty are. You have to start with history, you know, centuries of slavery and mass incarceration,” Chua said.
The Dish 