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LATINAS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: AN INTERPRETIVE STUDY OF EXPERIENTIAL INFLUENCES THAT IMPACT THEIR LIFE CHOICES

Capeles, Belkis Torres

Abstract Details

2012, PHD, Kent State University, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration.
This basic interpretive qualitative study used individual semi-structured interviews to explore and understand the experiences of seven self-identified Latina participants, who reside in Northeast Ohio and belong to a volunteer organization promoting professional Latinas. The study used Latina Critical Race theory and feminist perspectives to focus on various influences impacting the participants¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ experiences in higher education, career, and leadership roles, besides exploring the impact of gender, ethnicity, and culture on their experiences within dominant mainstream settings. The research also examines how the Latinas¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ perceptions of educators and administrators influenced their academic and professional choices. The results of this study suggest that perceived stereotypes and marginalization negatively influence immigrant to 1.5G or second generation Latinas¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ ability to experience higher education as an inclusive environment. Acculturative stress, ethnic identity, family values and English language proficiency also impact their pursuit of higher education, career, and leadership roles in different ways. The concept of enacting brio, its associated traits and personal work ethic allow Latinas to resist influences that discourage their academic and professional goals. Additionally, the study found that Latinas act as change agents by using positive introspection and transformative resistance to continuously challenge the existing discriminatory status quo. Transformational leadership emerged as an overarching theme for all seven participants, who use this strategy to foster a sense of community and collaboration with peers. A major finding of this study, that requires further exploration, is the perceived negative relationship between Latinas and institution leaders, educators and administrators as they strive for success.
Vilma Seeberg, PhD (Committee Chair)
Averil McClelland, PhD (Committee Member)
Christa Boske, PhD (Committee Member)
185 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Capeles, B. T. (2012). LATINAS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: AN INTERPRETIVE STUDY OF EXPERIENTIAL INFLUENCES THAT IMPACT THEIR LIFE CHOICES [Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1353559365

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Capeles, Belkis. LATINAS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: AN INTERPRETIVE STUDY OF EXPERIENTIAL INFLUENCES THAT IMPACT THEIR LIFE CHOICES. 2012. Kent State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1353559365.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Capeles, Belkis. "LATINAS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: AN INTERPRETIVE STUDY OF EXPERIENTIAL INFLUENCES THAT IMPACT THEIR LIFE CHOICES." Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1353559365

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)