Between Estar Encima and Estar Ahí: Chilean Low-Income Mothers' Conceptualizations of Parental Engagement

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: Between the World and Me: Global Perspectives on Equity, Education, and Transnational Identities

Abstract

Although attention to parental engagement has increased in Chile, little consideration has been given to contextual factors regarding how these shape parents’ conceptualization of engagement. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 19 urban low-income women with children in public elementary schools, this paper examines mothers’ role construction and self-efficacy, in relation to their perceived life context. Using an ecocultural lens, the paper reveals that mothers reported positive attitudes regarding their role in supporting their children’s education, provided it was for their children’s rather than the schools’ benefit. Single working mothers with low-self efficacy and a child with behavioral difficulties found it challenging to ensure their children’s physical and academic development. Finally, mothers crafted new cultural discourses based on communication and enjoyment.

Author

• Elisa Ugarte, University of California - Davis