First Advisor

John Longres

Term of Graduation

Spring 1978

Date of Publication

5-19-1978

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

Language

English

Subjects

Chinese -- Oregon -- Portland -- History

DOI

10.15760/etd.2948

Physical Description

1 online resource (3, xii, 407 pages)

Abstract

The thesis is an examination of the history of the Chinese community in Portland, Oregon, with special emphasis on the mutual support organizations developed by this community.

The study is primarily descriptive in nature. It includes background information on social, economic, and political conditions in China in the nineteenth century; an account of the history of the Chinese and Chinese organizations in Portland, and an examination of the issues involved in providing social services to Asian communities.

Sources of data include scholarly research, historical records and manuscripts, newspaper articles, and interviews with nineteen members of the Chinese community.

The thesis explores the mechanics of racism and discrimination against the Chinese, and the effects of such discrimination on the structure of the Chinese community. It examines the different types of organizations which exist and have existed in the Portland Chinese community, and describes the way in which the functions of these organizations have changed over the years.

It defines the present and past concerns and problems of the Chinese community, and the way in which Chinese organizations have attempted to meet these problems.

It compares the Portland Chinese community to other Chinese communities throughout the United States, and also compares the Chinese to other ethnic groups. The thesis concludes that all Asian communities are unique in their cultural traditions, but have historically received similar treatment by the dominant white society.

The thesis also explores issues involved in providing social services to Asian communities, including barriers which prevent Chinese from utilizing traditional services; advantages of services designed and operated by the community itself; and the role of the outside professional in helping design services based within Asian communities. The author argues that services specifically designed for Asian communities are necessary and can be more effective than services designed for a more general population; but he points out that such programs have not received much understanding or support from the traditional social service structure.

The thesis concludes that the Chinese community in Portland has to a great extent been able to retain its cultural identity, traditions, and values; and that community organizations have been instrumental in this achievement. The author takes the point of view that such retention of culture is valuable, and that a plural society is preferable to a "Melting Pot" in which immigrant groups are expected to conform to the life style of the dominant society.

Rights

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Comments

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/17538

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