There are more than four million people with Chinese ancestry living in the United States, mainly in California and New York. Smaller concentrations are found in places like Oregon, Utah and Latin America.
In Salt Lake City in 1900, Chinese businesses crowded around Plum Alley, which ran west from Public Square. Most were owned by single men, as the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act barred them from bringing wives and children.
Education
The Chinese community in Latin America is notable for its austerity, toughness and low profile, yet their businesses make valuable contributions to their host countries. In a recent survey of business owners in La Plata, Peru, almost two-thirds of the respondents were Chinese.
Founded in 1985, the Chinese Culture Connection (CCC) empowers local Chinese and Chinese descendants to appreciate their heritage and remain connected with their culture, while also enriching others by promoting bicultural fluency. CCC carries out its mission through diverse educational programs, cross-cultural dialogues, and special events.
For pupils studying key stage 2 reading, writing and maths, those from the Chinese ethnic group were the highest achieving group at both the expected and higher standards. These findings were based on the first author’s observations, communication with participants and community educators as well as official documents. Space limitations do not permit a thorough evaluation of all community education programs in Shanghai or China. However, a case study on Lingyunlu Street, one of the 28 neighborhoods in the Xuhui District of central Shanghai, provides an example of a successful community education intervention.
Employment
The Chinese community has medium levels of English and may need in-language information, resources and support. Many live in Melbourne’s southeast and eastern suburbs.
In addition to their traditional careers as grocers, laundrymen and merchants, some Chinese work actively in the service sector of the economy. They tend to work long hours and are exposed to a variety of physical and psychosocial risks.
The Chinese Community Centre of the Capital District (CCC) is a volunteer run, not-for-profit organization that supports and promotes Chinese culture through language classes, folk dance groups, chorus and playhouse. It serves over 1000 families in the Albany area. Its members participate in cultural events at the Festival of Nations, Schenectady Museum Festival, First Night, and various libraries and schools. They also contribute their time to local causes such as the regional food bank and Literacy Volunteers of America. They are active participants in public policy discussions on a broad range of issues.
Family Life
In China family life has always been a critical part of culture. It is the foundation for all other relationships and plays a major role in many Confucian thoughts.
The traditional Chinese family structure is hierarchical and male dominated with the father being responsible for maintaining and providing for his family. The man also has complete authority and final say in any family decisions. While the traditional gender roles have shifted somewhat with women now working and having more of a voice in the household, the father still holds a significant position in most families.
Children must respect and obey their parents, a principle known as filial piety. This is a principle that is deeply rooted in tradition as well as a source of pride for Chinese people. Elders are revered and their wisdom is sought out. They are honored in the home with ancestor altars that feature photographs and their favorite items. They play a vital role in raising their grandchildren as well.
Culture
The Chinese culture has a strong sense of community. Confucianism teaches respect, courtesy and a sense of communal obligation to protect family, friends and society. Known as ‘guanxi’, the principle of reciprocal good will and mutual benefit dictates that family and friends, business contacts and even government officials are expected to assist each other. Violating this principle will lead to loss of face and honour.
Despite assimilation, many Chinese people remain attached to their country of origin and celebrate traditional events such as the Chinese New Year. This is a culturally important event which happens in February every year and marks the beginning of the new year.
Other cultural events such as opera, kung fu and dragon dances are also popular. Those living in England may adopt a western name for business and public life but will retain their Chinese name when interacting with family, friends or within the wider Chinese community. This is similar to the practice in many other cultures throughout the world.