Negotiations and the Realm of Possibility for Latina/O Student and Parent College-Going
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Los Angeles Sueños, Corazón y Posibilidades: Negotiations and the Realm of Possibility for Latina/o Student and Parent College-Going A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Education by Cynthia Lua Alvarez 2016 © Copyright by Cynthia Lua Alvarez 2016 ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Sueños, Corazón y Posibilidades: Negotiations and the Realm of Possibility for Latina/o Student and Parent College-Going by Cynthia Lua Alvarez Doctor of Philosophy in Education University of California, Los Angeles, 2016 Professor Patricia M. McDonough, Chair This study explores the family unit as a crucial aspect of Latina/o college-going – an aspect far more important than previously asserted through research – as well as the emotions, expectations, negotiations made as the realm of possibility changes. Through the narratives told of each family, we see the negotiation of various events, and weaved through all are the complex emotions and perceptions caused by the context and process themselves. This study adds to the growing number of studies focusing on Latina/o college-going that use familial capital and other forms of knowing by discussing this process as one in which the family expectations and perceptions are incorporated. Given the need for a re-conceptualization of Latina/o college- going and the methodological gap in research design, this phenomenological study contributes to the field by asking direct questions regarding the experience of the family unit through the ii college-going process. As scholars, thinkers, and individuals charged with the responsibility to develop a full understanding of phenomenon, we owe it to our communities to thoroughly investigate the CGP and create pathways through which to increase college-going. iii The dissertation of Cynthia Lua Alvarez is approved. Daniel G. Solorzano Leobardo F. Estrada Sylvia Hurtado Walter R. Allen Patricia M. McDonough, Committee Chair University of California, Los Angeles 2016 iv Dedication Page To all those yearning and searching for a more just world, for a world where a dream does not die as a dream - this is for you. v Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction & Context ................................................................................................. 1 Chapter 2: Literature Review .......................................................................................................... 7 A History of College Choice....................................................................................................... 7 College Choice for Latina/o Students ......................................................................................... 9 College Choice for Latina/o Parents ......................................................................................... 12 Conceptual Models on Latina/o College Choice ...................................................................... 15 Chapter 3: Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................... 18 Familismo ................................................................................................................................. 18 Habitus ...................................................................................................................................... 19 Grounded Theory ...................................................................................................................... 21 Chapter 4: Methods ....................................................................................................................... 23 Site Description ......................................................................................................................... 23 Sample & Recruitment .............................................................................................................. 25 Data Collection ......................................................................................................................... 28 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 29 Role of the Researcher/Positionality ......................................................................................... 30 Vignettes: The Families of Las Palmas .................................................................................... 31 Familia Carrillo ..................................................................................................................... 31 Familia Cuellar...................................................................................................................... 32 Familia González .................................................................................................................. 33 Familia Hernández ................................................................................................................ 34 Familia Marín........................................................................................................................ 35 Familia Martínez ................................................................................................................... 36 Familia Mejía ........................................................................................................................ 36 Familia Mendoza .................................................................................................................. 37 Familia Novoa ....................................................................................................................... 38 Familia Ochoa ....................................................................................................................... 38 Familia Padilla ...................................................................................................................... 39 Familia Ramírez .................................................................................................................... 39 Familia Santillán ................................................................................................................... 40 Chapter 5: The Emotional Work Behind the College-Going Process .......................................... 41 Emotions & the (Un)Familiarity With the U.S. Higher Education System .............................. 42 vi College-Going: An Emotional Rollercoaster ............................................................................ 67 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 77 Chapter 6: Expectations and Their Role in the College-Going Process ....................................... 79 Expectations on College-Going: The Purpose of College ........................................................ 80 College-going for a better life ............................................................................................... 80 College-going for personal growth ....................................................................................... 93 Financial Concerns Masked as Distance Expectations ........................................................... 101 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 114 Chapter 7: Negotiations & The Realm of Possibility ................................................................. 116 Defining Negotiation and the Realm of Possibility ................................................................ 116 Explaining Negotiation and the Realm of Possibility: How Do Families Negotiate? ............ 117 Familia Marín...................................................................................................................... 117 Familia Carrillo ................................................................................................................... 133 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 147 Chapter 8: The Complexities of the College-Going Process for Latina/o Students and Parents: Discussion & Implications .......................................................................................................... 148 Review of Findings & Significance ........................................................................................ 148 The emotional work behind the college-going process ...................................................... 148 Expectations and their role in the college-going process.................................................... 149 Negotiations and the realm of possibility ........................................................................... 151 Research Questions Answered & Significance....................................................................... 152 Implications............................................................................................................................. 154 Research & theoretical implications ................................................................................... 155 Practical implications .......................................................................................................... 158 Limitations & Future Research ..............................................................................................