The Social Class Worldviews of Chinese International Students in the United States

Abstract

In this qualitative study, we investigated the social class worldviews of Chinese International Students (CIS) in the United States. Social class worldviews are a constellation of beliefs, attitudes, and values that individuals use to maintain a sense of psychological equilibrium within their perceived social class groups and culture. Having interviewed eleven CIS in a midwestern city in the United States, the researchers found that their experiences reflected five themes: (a) social class consciousness; (b) social class socialization; (c) social class resources; (d) social class values; and (e) social class challenges. Suggestions for research and implications for higher education are discussed.