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The role of racial/ethnic discrimination in financial access and material hardship: Findings from Korean immigrants living in the deep south

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  • Yunju Nam
  • Eun Young Choi
  • Cho Rong Won
  • Hee Yun Lee

Abstract

This study examines how racial/ethnic discrimination influences financial access and material hardship, using survey data collected from self‐identified Korean immigrants living in two counties in Alabama (N = 241). Key variables are experiencing racial/ethnic discrimination, two subjective measures of financial access, and four indicators of material hardship (overall, food‐related, health insurance, and medical care). Descriptive analyses show a high rate of experiencing racial/ethnic discrimination, limited access to basic financial services and credit, and considerable rates of material hardship. Regression analyses indicate that experiencing discrimination has a significant association with access to credit but not with access to basic financial services. Access to credit has a significant and negative association with all types of material hardship. Our findings challenge the model minority myth of socially and economically integrated Asian/Korean immigrants. Results call for anti‐discrimination policies and public efforts to expand financial access and reduce material hardship among Korean immigrants.

Suggested Citation

  • Yunju Nam & Eun Young Choi & Cho Rong Won & Hee Yun Lee, 2023. "The role of racial/ethnic discrimination in financial access and material hardship: Findings from Korean immigrants living in the deep south," Journal of Consumer Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(4), pages 1547-1575, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jconsa:v:57:y:2023:i:4:p:1547-1575
    DOI: 10.1111/joca.12559
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