Translating the PhD: The Cultural Strengths Behind Latina PhD Students’ Communication Approaches

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session Four
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT055 (Saturday)

Abstract

Rooted in the value of familism, many Latina Ph.D. students view family connection as central to their academic lives, yet may face challenges explaining doctoral education. This study examines the strategies Latina Ph.D. students use to explain to their families what it means to be a Ph.D. student. Guided by LatCrit and Community Cultural Wealth frameworks, qualitative survey data from 123 Latina Ph.D. students were analyzed using an abductive thematic analysis approach. Common strategies included emphasizing occupational outcomes, describing academic tasks, and connecting doctoral training to experiences familiar to family members. This study shifts the focus from communication challenges to student-employed strategies, highlighting approaches that may help families better understand and support Latina Ph.D. students.

Authors

• Brenda Rincon, University of California - Riverside

• Jennifer Amador, University of California - Riverside

• Elizabeth Serna, University of California - Riverside

• Diamond Bravo, University of California - Riverside