| This collection will present works that offer illuminating perspectives on the remarkably diverse Asian American populations of the United States. As a population that is neither black nor white, the range of experiences of these groups, many of whom arrived as refugees, presents other perspectives on the cultural mosaic that constitutes the United States. Studies of Asian Americans sheds light on issues related to immigration, refugee policy, transnationalism, return migration, cultural citizenship, ethnic communities, community building, identity and group formation, panethnicity, race relations, gender and class, entrepreneurship, employment, representation, politics, adaptation, and acculturation. The writings in this collection are drawn from a wide variety of disciplines to provide a broad and informative array of insights on these fascinating and diverse populations. Examines presumed behaviors The primary purpose of this study was to ascertain whether Chinese-born frail elderly homebound persons wish to take part in advance medical decision-making in a similar manner to non-Asian frail elderly. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Chinese immigrants tend to be fearful of death and avoid discussions on the subject; that they are culturally inclined to be unassertive and do not wish to speak out about their own care; and that they are reticent when asked about personal information because their culture is family-oriented and stresses conformity rather than self-expression. While these attitudes and behaviors are reported by clinicians, there has been no systematic investigative documentation. Carefully interviewed participants The study participants included 60 each ofChinese-born and Euro-American frail homebound elderly men and women; Chinese speakers were interviewed in their native language. Participants' responses to inventories exploring life events, control beliefs, values, and attitudes toward death were analyzed to determine whether Chinese-born elderly have attitudes and beliefs that require different treatment approaches. Upset common stereotype While the study show significant differences in attitudes, it also indicates many similarities between the two groups. One of the most significant findings, which has the greatest implication for further investigation, was that contrary to the stereotypes, Chinese-born elderly do freely discuss all aspects of their lives, including views on death and dying, and express wishes to be concerned in their own health-care decisions.
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