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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Education
Notes
- Abstract:
- Purpose : This study explored the experiences of Hispanic-American women in choosing their careers, with emphasis on family and cultural perspectives. With the increase in the Hispanic population in the U.S., more Hispanic-American women will continue to work. However, traditional Hispanic cultural values often conflict with first-generation Hispanic-American women’s desires for careers. This study examined the experiences of the women their cultural and family contexts in deciding on and establishing their careers. Method : A qualitative research design was used with grounded theory methodology. This methodology is highly appropriate for experiential phenomena and understudied populations, such as Hispanic-American women. A purposive sample of 12 participants was interviewed, within the framework of the major research question: What were the experiences of Hispanic-American women as they chose their careers? Twelve subsidiary questions pertained to career development and family barriers and supports. Data collection included an initial and follow-up interview and participants’ pertinent photographs and diaries. Data analysis was completed by grounded theory methods, with the aid of qualitative analysis software. Major Findings : Data analysis revealed five interrelated core categories: Family, Expectations, Self, Career Focus, and Culture. Family included family unity, respect for parents, family first, and the ethic of hard work. Expectations incorporated education and stability. Self entailed positive attitudes and life outlook, self-efficacy, and self confidence. Career Focus produced influences, support, mentoring, and experiences. Culture encompassed identity with culture, not leaving one’s family home until marriage, traditional gender roles, and sense of community. In two additional findings, participants did not consider themselves members of a minority group, and all were raised in middle- to upper-middle-class families. The emergent grounded theory posited that Hispanic-American women’s career choices encompasses these five interrelated components. Their experiences were highly influenced by family and cultural perspectives in an involved and complex process. Study findings and theory can help family counselors understand the complexity, family dynamics, and interrelationships of family and cultural perspectives that permeate Hispanic-American women’s career development and choices. Findings should also assist counselors in guiding Hispanic-American women and their family members in resolution of conflicting expectations and career desires toward greater mutual understanding, harmonious interactions, and support.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2007.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 160-177).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Annie Mecias. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- HD6057.5.U5 M43 2007_MeciasAnnie ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- HD6057.5.U5 M43 2007 ( lcc )
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