Enlace Religioso: Religion and Social Capital among Latino Immigrants in the Midwest

• In Event: 566 - Section on Latino/a Sociology Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 03. Religion

Abstract

To understand the social capital acquisition of an immigrant Latino community in the Midwest, this study examines the community involved with a strong Latino Catholic parish. This study focuses on the lives of twenty-seven families participating in a pre-college science and math enrichment program for middle school students with a University. Through the course of this three year program and follow up throughout high school, a greater understanding of the role of an immigrant church is observed. Findings suggest that parishioners of Santa Claridad utilize the church as a social and cultural space. Many of the families’ access to social capital lies within church group networks. The most recent arrivals rely on the church for critical resources from employment information, health care, housing support and even food. Families that speak more English than Spanish, usually second generation, display broader social networks and utilize the church primarily for religious needs. Nearly all families, whether recently arrived or long term residents, have limited access to higher education and thus, the middle school program provided at Santa Claridad fills an important need in this community.

Author

• Gloria S. Vaquera, John Carroll University