Latina Engineering Students’ Narratives of Resilience

• In Event: Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Female Experiences and Perspectives on Education

Abstract

This study addresses the issue of gender inequality in engineering by examining narratives of resilience among Latina students. Using a sociocultural theoretical framework of identity, we take a linguistic approach to narrative inquiry to analyze how five engineering students make sense of their experiences in particularly challenging classes. Our analysis indicated that every story told followed a pattern including a point of crisis and a resolution. Findings revealed that affinity groups emerge as crucial mechanisms for participants to prevail in challenging situations. Being an active and recognized member of an affinity group may be crucial for creating an emerging engineering identity.

Authors

• Alberto Esquinca, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Luciene Soares Wandermurem, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Elsa Quiroz Villa, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Guillermin Nunez, New Mexico State Department of Education