Faculty Publications

Marginalization, Minoritization, and Microaggression Against Asian American Children: Insights from Korean American Mother-Educator-Researchers Utilizing Suda (수다)

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Korean American, mother-educator-researcher, super-diversity, translingual, Whiteness

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Research in Childhood Education

Volume

39

Issue

2

First Page

280

Last Page

300

Abstract

This study explored the marginalization, minoritization, and microaggressions experienced by children within Korean American families. Conducted by a research team of four Korean American mother-educator-researchers, the study analyzed the lived experiences of children across multiple U.S. states. Employing Suda—a form of meaningful and engaged chattering in Korean culture—as a culturally responsive and sustaining approach, the research examined the nuanced ways societal structures and interpersonal interactions shape the everyday realities of Korean American children. Findings highlight the intersections of immigration narratives, translingual encounters, neighborhood dynamics, workplace experiences, and family diversity, aligning with Vertovec’s (2007) concept of super-diversity. The study challenges the pervasive influence of Whiteness embedded in dominant interpretations of best practices in early childhood education by emphasizing the importance of culturally sustaining pedagogies. These findings provide a critical lens for rethinking inclusion and equity, calling for systemic changes to better address the needs of racially and linguistically diverse children and their families in educational contexts.

Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Original Publication Date

2-26-2025

DOI of published version

10.1080/02568543.2025.2450061

Link to Full Text

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