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Success Attained, Deterred, and Denied: Divergent Pathways to Social Mobility in Los Angeles's New Second Generation

Author

Listed:
  • Min Zhou

    (Department of Asian American Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles)

  • Jennifer Lee

    (University of California, Irvine)

  • Jody Agius Vallejo

    (University of Southern California and a visiting research fellow at the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies and U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California, San Diego)

  • Rosaura Tafoya-Estrada

    (University of California, Irvine)

  • Yang Sao Xiong

    (University of California, Los Angeles)

Abstract

This article highlights divergent pathways to mobility among members of the new second generation, identifies key mechanisms affecting the choices they make in their pursuit of success, and explains how specific choices were pivotal in determining outcomes of segmented assimilation. First, the authors evaluate definitions of success and pathways to social mobility, advancing a subject-centered approach to study second-generation mobility. Second, the article turns to the results from the authors' ongoing qualitative study of the new second generation in Los Angeles to examine cases that exemplify predictable and anomalous outcomes. Third, the authors zoom in on patterns that emerge from real-life histories to clarify key mechanisms affecting the decisions made by members of the second generation that are consequential in shaping their paths to mobility. The study dispels some enduring myths about group-based cultures, stereotypes, and processes of assimilation. It also advances theoretical debates about intergenerational mobility and immigrant incorporation.

Suggested Citation

  • Min Zhou & Jennifer Lee & Jody Agius Vallejo & Rosaura Tafoya-Estrada & Yang Sao Xiong, 2008. "Success Attained, Deterred, and Denied: Divergent Pathways to Social Mobility in Los Angeles's New Second Generation," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 620(1), pages 37-61, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:620:y:2008:i:1:p:37-61
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716208322586
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James P. Smith, 2003. "Assimilation across the Latino Generations," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 93(2), pages 315-319, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Salvatore J. Restifo & Igor Ryabov & Bienvenido Ruiz, 2023. "Race, Gender, and Nativity in the Southwest Economy: An Intersectional Approach to Income Inequality," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 42(3), pages 1-32, June.
    2. Lingxin Hao & Suet-Ling Pong, 2008. "The Role of School in the Upward Mobility of Disadvantaged Immigrants' Children," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 620(1), pages 62-89, November.

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