(1987). Cultural and Social Predictors of Psychological Distress in Mexican Americans.
Studies of relative levels of psychological distress among Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites have found mixed results, possibly due to cultural differences within Mexican American samples which may confound potential ethnic differences. The hypothesis that differences in psychological distress between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites would be explainable by cultural variables (acculturation, years of residence in the United States) and social psychological variables (social integration, strain, social support, social conflict) was tested in a household probability sample of Mexican Americans born in Mexico (N=706), Mexican Americans born in the United States (N=538), and nonhispanic whites born in the United States (N=1,149). Interviews with respondents revealed that Mexican-American natives had the highest distress scores, followed by Mexican-American immigrants and then by non-Hispanic Whites Distress was regressed on the cultural and social psychological…
(1995). Transformations: Immigration, Family Life, and Achievement Motivation among Latino Adolescents.
Focusing on the ethnic identity and achievement motivation of adolescents, this book reports on a study of Mexican-origin and Anglo American adolescents and sets it in sociopolitical, theoretical, ethnohistorical, and demographic contexts. The opening chapters examine public malaise over immigration and ethnic diversification in the United States and Europe; the limitations of methodologies in social science research and the need for using a variety of methodologies in ethnography; and the demographic, social, economic, and cultural characteristics of U.S. Latinos. The heart of the book is a study of four groups of adolescents: Mexicans in Mexico, Mexican immigrants to the United States, U.S.-born children of Mexican immigrant parents, and mainstream Anglo Americans. The 189 subjects, aged 13-18, attended public middle schools or high schools. Psychological instruments, including one that elicited personal narratives, were used to examine familism, family conflict, peer influence,…
(1992). The Labor Market in the Central California Raisin Industry: Five Years after IRCA. California Agricultural Studies.
This report examines the effects of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) on the raisin industry's labor market, and provides educators with background on California migrant workers and their deteriorating working conditions. Because the raisin harvest lasts only 3-4 weeks but employs 40,000-50,000 workers, any effects of IRCA on agricultural labor markets should be most visible in the raisin grape industry. Interviews were conducted with 125 raisin harvest workers, 323 growers, and 12 industry experts. The worker sample was 92 percent male, entirely Hispanic (94 percent born in Mexico), with a median age of 28. Workers' educational level averaged 6 years, and 87 percent understood little or no English. About 35 percent were working illegally. Raisin growers increasingly used farm labor contractors to hire and oversee workers. Use of contractors eliminated employer paperwork, avoided many government regulations, and reduced labor supply concerns. However, use of… [PDF]
(2002). Rapid Growth of Hispanic Populations in Western States. The Changing Face of the Rural West. WRDC Information Brief.
Between 1990 and 2000, the Hispanic population of the West increased by 54 percent, compared to a 13 percent increase for non-Hispanics. The Hispanic population now represents 25 percent of the West's population, up from 19 percent in 1990. This information brief describes the increase in Hispanic populations in the West from 1990 to 2000 and discusses the impacts of increasing diversity on 11 western states: Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, California, Washington, and Oregon. Primarily of Mexican origin, the West's Hispanics have increased due to both immigration and natural increase. Noteworthy features of the West's Hispanic population is that it is becoming younger, is becoming more rural, is seeking entry-level jobs, and is unevenly distributed geographically. The impact of these changes will be multi-faceted and will include pressure on schools to accommodate growing numbers of Spanish-speaking students and parents. The fact that growth is… [PDF]
(1988). Des Moines. Goldfinch, v10 n2 Nov
This document, intended for elementary students, contains articles and activities designed to acquaint young people with the history of Des Moines, Iowa. The articles are short, and new or difficult words are highlighted and defined for young readers. "The Raccoon River Indian Agency" discusses the archeological exploration of the indian settlements and forts that facilitated the founding of the city. "Capital City" chronicles the movement of Iowa's capital as the state matured from territory to statehood and "Des Moines Timeline" lists significant events from 1843-1988. "Terrace Hill" describes the history of a nineteenth century mansion that has become the official governor's residence. "Booming Business" explores the growth of business and the development of Des Moines into a major business center. "The Wonder Years" traces the city's growth since the turn of the century, including a population chart, questions for…
(2003). Vamonos!. Teaching Tolerance, n23 p25-31 Spr
Cultural geographers have described the 2000-mile, sun-baked, history-rich, heavily patrolled U.S.-Mexico border as the world's most dynamic international frontier. Compared to current flashpoint border regions, such as India-Pakistan or Israel-Palestine, "la linea," as it is called in Spanish, is remarkably peaceful. But disparities between the two neighboring democracies generate a unique and complex array of tensions. This arid stretch of North American geography is poised, in the era of North American free trade and shifting demographics, to become even more important to the two countries' economic, social and environmental well-being. Touching four U.S. and five Mexican states, impacting millions on a daily basis, the border region is many things to many people: (1) a precarious political reality; (2) a dangerous chance at a new life; (3) a challenge to immigration control; (4) a perpetual party; (5) a fragile desert landscape in need of protection; (6) a water… [Direct]
(2002). Latinos: Remaking America.
This book brings together leading scholars in the study of the Latino population in the United States. The papers include: "Introduction: The Research Agenda" (Marcelo M. Suarez-Orozco and Mariela M. Paez); (1) "'Y tu que?' (Y2K): Latino History in the New Millennium" (George J. Sanchez); (2) "Islands and Enclaves: Caribbean Latinos in Historical Perspective" (Juan Flores); (3) "Power and Identity: Miami Cubans" (Alex Stepick and Carol Dutton Stepick); (4) "Community Dynamics and the Rise of Street Gangs" (Diego Vigil); (5) "Gender, Ethnicity, and Race in School and Work Outcomes of Second-Generation Mexican Americans" (Robert C Smith); (6) "Unions and Latinos: Mutual Transformation" (John Trumpbour and Elaine Bernard); (7) "Two Nations under God? Latino Religious Life in the United States" (Peggy Levitt); (8) "Ambivalent Reception: Mass Public Responses to the 'New' Latino Immigration to the United…
(1996). Chicanas/Chicanos at the Crossroads: Social, Economic, and Political Change.
Dubbed the "decade of the Hispanic," the 1980s was instead a period of retrenchment for Chicanos and Chicanas as they continued to confront many issues of earlier years in a more conservative political environment. This book assesses the most significant developments in the conditions and experiences of Chicanas and Chicanos since the late 1970s. Ten essays by leading Chicano and Chicana scholars on economic, social, educational, and political trends examine such issues as the rapid population growth of Latinos, the turn to the right in American politics, the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment, the launching of new initiatives by the Mexican government toward the Chicano community, continuing struggles related to educational equity and bilingual education, feminism, and the emergence of a new generation of political activists. Essays are: (1) "Demographic Trends in the Chicana/o Population: Policy Implications for the Twenty-First Century" (Susan Gonzalez Baker);…