Qualitative Research on Gendered Racism Experienced by Asian Migrant Women in South Korea: Overt and Subtle Discrimination

Gendered racism refers to the unique experience of discrimination that arises at the intersection of racism, experienced as an ethnic/racial minority, and sexism, experienced as a woman.The present study explored the patterns of gendered racism experienced by Asian migrant women in South Korea, specifically referring to women from neighboring Asian countries, with a particular focus on identifying these patterns by distinguishing between overt and subtle forms of discrimination.To this end, in-depth individual and focus group interviews were conducted with 26 Asian migrant women who have lived in South Korea for over five years.The collected data from the interviews were analyzed based on the consensual qualitative research method.Six domains of overt gendered racism were derived: "disrespect," "disregard for ability," "exclusion," "overemphasis on the country/ region of origin," "imposing the practice of Korean culture," and "objectification of migrant women."The subtle forms were grouped into five domains: "untrustworthy person," "outsider," "Korean-like," "weak presence," and "unworthy presence."Both forms of discrimination are grounded in common stereotypes about Asian migrant women, which reflect the perception that they are outsiders and second-class citizens within South Korean society.These findings would contribute to the growing body of literature on gendered racism by illuminating the specific ways it is manifested in the experiences of Asian migrant women in South Korea.This research offers a valuable empirical foundation for developing practical strategies to reduce such discrimination.