The Fence Builders: Case Studies of Latinas Constructing Agentive Selves Toward Studying Engineering

• In Event: 75.060 - Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: 75.060-3 - Roundtable 1: Social Justice in Access to Higher Education

Abstract

Women are significantly underrepresented in the field of engineering, particularly Latinas, who represent a mere two percent of degrees awarded in the U.S. Using a sociocultural theoretical lens of identity development, this study utilizes a qualitative research method to examine a particular series of events in case studies of two Latinas in an engineering undergraduate program at a four-year public institution on the U.S./Mexico border. These cases were selected from a large-scale qualitative study of Latinas in undergraduate engineering programs. Specifically, these Latinas encountered apprentice-like experiences that may have been influential in constructing agentive selves in pursuing engineering degrees.

Authors

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

• Alberto Esquinca, The University of Texas - El Paso

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

• Elaine M. Hampton, The University of Texas - El Paso