Date of Award

6-2026

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Zoann K. Snyder, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Barry Goetz, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Chien-Juh Gu, Ph.D.

Keywords

Academic self, emotional work, impression management, South Asian international graduate students

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This study examines how South Asian international graduate students manage their sense of self in everyday academic life at a public Midwestern university. It focuses on the social and emotional work through which students seek recognition as competent, using dramaturgy, emotional labor, symbolic interactionism, identity theory, and double consciousness.

Qualitative interviews with 20 South Asian international master’s and doctoral students are analyzed thematically. Five themes emerge: frontstage performance; impression management; strategic silence; emotional labor behind academic confidence; and double consciousness and the negotiated academic self.

Findings indicate that competence must be evident in both academic and assistantship roles. Participants adjust communication, read audiences, manage emotions, and sometimes remain silent to avoid misunderstanding. Supportive environments do not remove pressure to appear capable and professional. Confidence develops through repeated interaction and emotional effort. The academic self therefore forms through visible performance and hidden self-management. The study calls for clearer expectations and recognition of varied accents, cultural styles, and participation.

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