The Model Accused: How Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity Affect Punishment Towards Asian Americans

Asian Americans have often struggled with a lack of representation in psychological and legal research, and this divide is further evident when looking at cross-cutting criminal, ethnic, and socioeconomic studies. Asian Americans are viewed as a monolith even though each ethnic group faces differing struggles—from the “Model Minority Myth” and rising income inequality impacting most Asian Americans, to COVID-19 related bias toward East Asians, to colorism and bias from terror-related events impacting South Asians. In this study, we examined the impact of South Asian versus East Asian ethnicity and socioeconomic status on the perceived guilt of a defendant. Participants reviewed images and background information on the accused and determined the defendants' guilt and recommended punishment for a petty, non-violent crime. Our expected findings are that East Asian Americans will receive harsher punishment than South Asian Americans. People from a lower socioeconomic status will receive harsher punishment than those from a higher socioeconomic status. Lastly, East Asian Americans from a lower socioeconomic status will receive harsher punishment than South Asian Americans.

Srushti Untawale

Srushti Untawale (she/her) is a Psychology major with a minor in Visual Communication. She is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology while incorporating the multicultural and diverse aspects of Social Psychology within her research. Her clinical and educational work with children from different cultures, disabilities, and talents has allowed her to seek to diversify the field in the future and make academia a more inclusive space for everyone. In her free time, she loves painting, cooking and watching mystery movies!

Zahva Naeem

Zahva Naeem (she/her) is a junior from Saint Louis majoring in psychology and biology. She has spent her years at SLU advocating for progress in campus-wide student well-being policies and has served in a number of leadership roles in service to her community. After graduating from SLU, Zahva hopes to pursue a career in the healthcare field to continue her dedication to service and community. Zahva’s ultimate goal is to integrate mental health and well-being care into her medical practice so she can support future patients in a holistic manner, and encourage others to do the same.

Haya Ahmed

Haya Ahmed (she/her) is a St. Louis native majoring in psychology with minors in Spanish and biology. While at SLU, she has fostered her interest in psychology through her work as a research assistant in the Child and Family Research Lab, and has served in leadership positions in multicultural and religious organizations that contribute to the rich diversity of the SLU community. Upon graduating, she hopes to attend medical school and pursue a career in pediatrics where she can apply her background in child development.

Rita Miles

Rita Miles (she/her) is a junior from Chicago, IL majoring in Psychology and minoring in Spanish. During her time at SLU, Rita will be cultivating her interest in research by getting involved in the CUBB Lab next semester. She is hoping to attend graduate school for a degree in Neuropsychology.

Lijing (Lily) Ma is a PhD student and a lab instructor for the PSY 4960 capstone course. The group would like to express their appreciation for Lily’s constant support throughout their research project. She has always been willing to provide assistance and invest additional time in guiding the group, which has contributed to the success of their work.

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