Insufficient Data Hinders Understanding of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Communities

 

Comprehensive data on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups in the United States is generally lacking, and there is an even more pressing need for specific analysis on individual ethnic groups within this diverse category, which consists of over 70 distinct groups.

The demand for more research data on individual Asian American sub-communities has become increasingly apparent following the U.S. Federal Government’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) introducing new standards for demographic research. These standards now include collecting data on additional racial and ethnic subgroups. Until now, existing data has combined the mosaic experiences of the AAPI communities into a single data point, disregarding the cultural and historical diversity among Asian Americans. While OMB’s actions signify progress, proactive measures are being made by civic groups like the Council of Korean Americans (CKA).

In September 2023, CKA unveiled the 2nd edition of its groundbreaking national research analysis, titled “The Multiple Faces of the National Korean American Community: Progress and Paradoxes.” This report, authored by the distinguished political science scholar Taeku Lee of Harvard University, offers comprehensive insights into the Korean American community’s demographic, economic, cultural, and political landscape, outlining its evolution over time.

 

International Business Times