Biases and Stereotypes
All Chinese Americans are high-achieving, law-abiding, and academically or financially successful.
This stereotype hides real struggles—like economic hardship, discrimination, and mental health challenges—and pressures children to meet unrealistic expectations while discouraging families from seeking help for fear of losing face.
Which of the following best describes the foundation of traditional Chinese family structure?
Hierarchical relationships guided by Confucian principles
Significances of Red and Gold
RED: happiness, luck, and protection
GOLD: wealth, power, and prosperity
Tiger Parent” or Strict Parenting
Although many parents emphasize discipline and education, their styles vary; most strike a balance between structure and support, expressing care through guidance and sacrifice rather than overt affection.
True or False
Traditional Chinese culture views mental illness primarily as a psychological imbalance rather than a result of spiritual or moral causes.
FALSE
Who is well-respected in the extended family
Elder; grandparents, uncles and aunts
Chinese Americans are seen as “foreigners” regardless of how long their families have lived in the U.S.
Many Chinese Americans are multi-generation citizens yet still face microaggressions like “Where are you really from?”—which reinforces exclusion and bias.
Describe two major differences between American and Chinese family values according to Jung.
American families emphasize independence and individual rights, while Chinese families value interdependence, filial piety, and obedience to authority.
Family roles of mother, father & children/siblings
FATHER: head of the family — primary decision-maker, authority figure, and provider.
MOTHER: nurturer and household manager
CHILDREN: respect, obedience, and gratitude toward parents and elders
he Chinese American community is uniform in beliefs, religion, and social behavior.
Chinese Americans are highly diverse in generation, region, language, and religion—practicing Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, folk traditions, or none at all.
What role does ancestor worship play in traditional Chinese family life?
It reinforces family unity, honors lineage, and maintains spiritual connection with past generations.
What does the phrase “saving face” mean in Chinese culture?
Preserving one’s dignity, respect, and reputation within the community.
Losing face (through public embarrassment or failure) affects both the individual and the entire family’s honor.
Emotionally Reserved” or “Unfeeling”
Emotional restraint fosters harmony and prevents shame; love is demonstrated through actions such as providing, cooking, or teaching, rather than verbal expressions.
In Chinese culture, ___________ is often used as a socially acceptable way to express inner emotional conflicts or distress, rather than open discussion.
Somatization (physical symptoms)
n Chinese American families, how is love and affection most often expressed?
Through actions and sacrifice, not necessarily words.
Providing for family, cooking meals, or supporting education are ways love is shown, rather than saying “I love you.”