Latina College Students and Self-Blame

• In Event: 566 - Section on Latino/a Sociology Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 09. Latina/os and Education

Abstract

The purposes of this qualitative narrative study were to explore the potential areas of conflict Latina college students experience between their educational goals and traditional cultural gender roles and expectations. Participants were selected utilizing purposeful sampling methods. All participants were first-generation college students. Participants were in daily contact with their family members while in college. Ten students were interviewed, completed journals, and participated in two focus groups. A significant finding the emerged from the data was the amount of self-blame the participants placed of themselves for their personal goals and career aspirations. Self-blame was described as “feeling guilty,” “shame,” and “wanting to do things differently [regarding college and/or major choice].” Many felt guilty for the amount of time and money being spent and allocated on their goals. The participants also felt guilty for not being readily available for their families.
Keywords: Latinas; First-generation college students; Latino family; Self-Blame; Gender/Feminism

Author

• Amanda Rose Romero, Mount St. Mary's College