Telling our stories: The lives of Latina women

Latino populations are on the increase. Demographic projections indicate that because of high fertility rates and continuous immigration patterns, Latino groups will be the largest minority group in the United States within seven years. Mexican American women represent a sub-group of adult Latinas. Stereotypes of Mexican American women and the lack of their representation in research literature contributes to misrepresentations of Mexican American culture and their invisibility. The omission of Mexican American women voices and life histories to the research literature continues to oppress this group. Potentially their attitudes toward positive self concept and perceptions of success could weaken. In this qualitative research study, Mexican American women were interviewed. Their life histories were examined utilizing an ethnographic and hermeneutical phenomenological approach. Circular graphic representations of prominent thematic interpretations were supported by using a systems theory approach. This approach examined how various systems such as, acculturation patterns, socialization in the family of origin and empowerment perspectives are integrated in Mexican American women\u27s lives. Several dominant themes were generated and analyzed. These themes included: Relationships, Education, Philosophy Toward Education, Career, Confidence, and Artistic. Although some of these Latinas were unfamiliar with each other, similar patterns emerged from these analyses of themes. The findings are discussed in terms of their implication for working with Latina women, specifically, Mexican American women. This research should assist educators and helping professionals understand Mexican American women more intimately, and discover how these women attach meaning to their lives. Suggestions for future research are also presented