Abstract:

This paper explores the journeys of professionally successful female immigrants from Uzbekistan who have established careers in the U.S. IT sector. While existing literature often depicts female immigrants from Central Asia as 'secondary workers' compelled to take on low-status jobs and prioritize family economic survival over personal aspirations, this study illuminates a noteworthy segment of Uzbek women who have pursued new professions, furthered their education, and achieved significant professional accomplishments in the United States.

We argue that the pivotal element in their success is a transformative change in the gender contract within traditional immigrant families as they transition from Uzbekistan to the United States. This change entails a departure from conventional gender roles, allowing women to redefine their roles both within their families and in the professional sphere. Our analysis is grounded in a qualitative study of the Uzbek immigrant community in the United States, consisting of 16 in-depth biographical interviews with first-generation Uzbek female immigrants who have successfully integrated into the U.S. IT sector.

To interpret the data, we employ the concepts of "gender contract," "migrant agency," and "gendered agency" to identify the ethnically specific factors and mechanisms that facilitate the successful integration of Uzbek female immigrants. These concepts help us understand how these women navigate and negotiate their identities and roles in a new cultural and professional environment, ultimately achieving professional success and personal fulfillment. This study not only contributes to the literature on immigrant integration and gender studies but also highlights the resilience and agency of Uzbek women in redefining their roles and overcoming traditional constraints in a new country.