A paper prepared for the Annual Meeting of the Association for
Asian American Studies, April 19, 1997, Seattle, Washington.
<http://www.uidaho.edu/special-collections/stepping.htm> Head,
Special Collections and Archives University of Idaho Library
Moscow, ID 83843-2351 Many Chinese laborers in the American West
used domestic service as an entry point to entrepreneurial
opportunities. Following a brief description of the role of
Chinese servants in the American West, we will examine case
studies of individuals who used domestic service as an effective
stepping stone to more entrepreneurial, higher-status
activities. Since not all servants became entrepreneurs, we will
look at characteristics of entrepreneurship for insight into the
life decisions made by Chinese servants and laborers. "Stepping
Stones to Empowerment: Chinese Servants in the American West"
continues the author's earlier research on Chinese servants in
the American West. Travel support to make this presentation was
provided by the University of