An examination of the influences of racial ethnic identity, familia, gender roles & school structures on Sacramento urban high school Xicana/Latina educational aspirations

Thesis (M.A., Education (Multicultural Education)) -- California State University, Sacramento, 2012Xicana/Latina high school students are being failed by an educational system that is often unchallenged, as there is a tendency to focus on Xicana/Latina cultural deficiencies instead. For this reason, this research examined the home and family influences, gender roles, and the development of Xicana/Latina urban high school racial ethnic identities specifically focusing on factors contributing to their resiliency.\ud \ud This research was based on ethnographic methodology, which included surveying participant and having conversations and interactive dialogs with each participant. Other sources of data included student???s progress reports and transcripts.\ud \ud The findings revealed the participants shared common challenges both in the home and at school. Participants??? voices provided further understanding of their abilities to come to terms with their own identities while balancing their home and school responsibilities. The majority of participants reported substantial parental support in their academic endeavors. The most critical Xicana/Latina students consciously made the effort to find mentors, role models, and allies within teachers and peers through Xican@/Latin@ clubs and organizations.Education (Multicultural Education