A study of the economic characteristics and occupational status of the Chinese in the United States, based primarily on a special tabulation of the 1970 census, has resulted in a demographic profile of this bicultural and physically distinct ethnic group. Potential improvement and expansion of the occupational sphere of the Chinese is discussed in terms of cultural aspects. Extensive tabulation accompanies the text, including 89 tables, 7 charts, and 9 maps. Each of the 14 chapters contains a list of findings relating to employment aspects of the Chinese; titles include: (1) Patterns of Chinese Immigration; (2) Foreign-born and Alien; (3) Geographical Dispersion; (4) Educational Level; (5) Labor Force and Occupational Pattern; (6) Working Women; (7) Chinese in Government Work; (8) Unions a Major Hurdle; (9) Income; (10) Unemployment and Underemployment; (11) The Chinese Work Ethic; (12) Self-employment and Small Business; (13) Cultural Baggage; and (14) Racism Modified. A listing of 34 summary findings, cultural anchors and differences, and 24 recommendations are provided, with four tables appended. It is stated that the study may be useful to social scientists, government agencies, administrators, and social service organizations. (LH)