About the Research Brief

This research brief published by the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley (OBI) and VietRISE reveals prevailing beliefs, policy preferences, and narratives among Vietnamese residents in Orange County on topics related to economic inequality, the role of government, generational change, and the idea of community. 

OBI’s survey of Orange County found that Vietnamese residents are more likely than any other group to support economic redistributive policies. Through follow-up focus groups with Vietnamese-speaking political independents, the brief shows not only that these views are widespread, but also the key values and narratives underpinning them. Findings on not only economic inequality, but also generational change in the Vietnamese community and racism in the U.S., cut against conventional wisdoms about the views of Vietnamese constituencies.

VietRISE played a key role in conducting outreach and recruitment for these focus groups, ensuring that the voices of Vietnamese-language dominant, non-partisan residents were represented. Between late February and early April 2021, Blueprint for Belonging and VietRISE collaboratively organized and facilitated four focus groups with Vietnamese residents of central Orange County. Participants, ages 40-70, engaged in facilitated Zoom conversations lasting 100-120 minutes each, led by a young Vietnamese community member. Through this process, VietRISE helped create a space where community members could share their perspectives on economic justice, identity, and belonging.

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