Factors that Influence First-Generation Latinas' Decision to Attend and Remain in College
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Authors
Barbosa, Vanessa
Issue Date
2013
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
"Content Analysis","Qualitative Study","First- generation","Latinas","Factors","College"
Alternative Title
Abstract
Cultural differences between Latinos and the dominant culture significantly affect the lives of Latinas, their parents, their family, and their community when attempting to make the decision to attend and remain in college. Research shows that Latinos represent the largest minority group in the Unites States, and they are expected to become equivalent to the population of European Americans by the year 2050. Although Latinos are also the largest minority group to enroll in college, this group also experiences a huge achievement gap. Therefore, this qualitative conventional content analysis research identified factors that influence the experience of first-generation Latinas' decision to attend and remain in college. Findings suggest that more resources, trainings, and support are necessary for first-generation families in order to adequately create awareness of the options available after high school and to reduce negative factors. This research involved a demographic questionnaire followed by a one-hour semi-structured individual interview with 10 Latina participants between the ages of 18 and 24 who were currently attending a college in the Bay Area. Findings from this research demonstrated that, in addition to the acculturative stress, within-culture differences, socioeconomic status, and adjustment to the environment, Latinas also experienced emotional concerns as a result of adjusting to such factors. Latinas struggled in acculturating to individualistic culture expectations. Latinas reported experiencing resilience despite their self-doubt in considering and remaining in college due to the support of their family, faith, teachers, and peers, as would be suggested by their collectivistic culture. Latinas further described self-motivation, maturity, yearning for a role-model, feelings of belonging, as well as intragroup marginalization as playing a role in their pursuit to their goal. As would be expected from collectivistic cultures, the Latinas' ultimate goal was to return to their family and return the support that was given to them.