An Inter-Generational Comparison of Mexican American Christian Minorities’ Perspectives on Social Issues

• In Event: 2323 - Student Forum Refereed Roundtable
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: 9. Race, Identity, and Conflicts in Social Lives

Abstract

Teens and parents have different opinions on social issues such as drugs and alcohol use, sex, and LGBTQ rights. In fact, teens are often more liberal on these issues. Our research focuses on an intergenerational comparison of religious minorities in the Latinx community. Although the older and younger generations have the same backgrounds, their views still differ in various topics. The high school student generation generally believe that growing up outside of the United States influenced their parent’s perceptions on social issues. Students and their parents similarly generally recognized that their ethnic community did not reflect their religious community’s perspectives on social issues, especially related to drugs, alcohol, and sex. Both also agreed that their church and its teachings have a greater impact on their positions on social issues than the general Mexican American community and culture do. Students and parents generally shared similar perspectives on drug and alcohol use, as well as sexual behaviors outside of marriage. However, on sexual orientation, parents and their students generally diverged. While some high school students did not object to LGBTQ status, even those who did generally expressed respect for the LGBTQ community regardless. More influenced by their churches, parents were more conservative on LGBTQ status and related issues, though in some ways, more flexible than anticipated. Overall, this study gives voice to the perceptions and beliefs of Christian minority groups that are often overlooked, ignored, or more often persecuted.

Authors

• Lezly Padilla

• Berenice Juarez, University of Illinois Chicagoo

• Alethea Chicancham, University of Illinois Chicago