TY - JOUR
T1 - International migration, work, and cultural values
T2 - A mixed-method exploration among Latino adolescents in U.S. agriculture
AU - Carlos Chavez, Fiorella L.
AU - Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A.
AU - Perez Rueda, Alberto M.
N1 - Funding Information:
This research was supported by the Kappa Omicron Nu National Honor Society for the Human Sciences Initiatives Grant; Florida State University—College of Human Sciences' Dissertation Research Grant; and Mr. Mark Ottman's Endowment Fund awarded to Fiorella L. Carlos Chavez. We thank all the youth who participated in this research.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 National Council on Family Relations.
PY - 2022/2
Y1 - 2022/2
N2 - Objective: The objective of this research is to understand the factors contributing to Latino adolescents' migration and entrance into U.S. agriculture. Background: Adolescent Latino migrants pursuit of work in the United States could be considered a family strategy to generate income. However, little is known regarding the degree to which the decision to migrate for work depends on family financial need. Method: In Study 1, a transcendental-phenomenological approach explored views on migration and work choice among 20 (Mage = 17.75 years) adolescent Guatemalan and Mexican migrants in the southeastern United States. Based on Study 1 findings and in a separate sample (N = 36; Mage = 17.81 years), Study 2 examined migration decisions, farmwork, and their associations with cultural values, frequency of remittances, and family's financial dependency. Results: Study 1 highlighted four major themes: “It was the best thing I could do,” “It was my decision,” “Farmwork just made sense,” and “This is just temporary.” Study 2 showed significant relationships between the decision to migrate to the United States and the decision to work in U.S. agriculture with Latino and U.S. mainstream values. Conclusion: Adolescent Guatemalan and Mexican migrant farmworkers endorsed a bicultural orientation wherein temporary U.S. agricultural work contributed to family well-being and getting ahead in life. Implications: Adolescents' international migration for work is a complex reality wherein family and individual cultural values come together for family survival and prosperity. Future research should consider family interdependence among Latino parents and adolescents.
AB - Objective: The objective of this research is to understand the factors contributing to Latino adolescents' migration and entrance into U.S. agriculture. Background: Adolescent Latino migrants pursuit of work in the United States could be considered a family strategy to generate income. However, little is known regarding the degree to which the decision to migrate for work depends on family financial need. Method: In Study 1, a transcendental-phenomenological approach explored views on migration and work choice among 20 (Mage = 17.75 years) adolescent Guatemalan and Mexican migrants in the southeastern United States. Based on Study 1 findings and in a separate sample (N = 36; Mage = 17.81 years), Study 2 examined migration decisions, farmwork, and their associations with cultural values, frequency of remittances, and family's financial dependency. Results: Study 1 highlighted four major themes: “It was the best thing I could do,” “It was my decision,” “Farmwork just made sense,” and “This is just temporary.” Study 2 showed significant relationships between the decision to migrate to the United States and the decision to work in U.S. agriculture with Latino and U.S. mainstream values. Conclusion: Adolescent Guatemalan and Mexican migrant farmworkers endorsed a bicultural orientation wherein temporary U.S. agricultural work contributed to family well-being and getting ahead in life. Implications: Adolescents' international migration for work is a complex reality wherein family and individual cultural values come together for family survival and prosperity. Future research should consider family interdependence among Latino parents and adolescents.
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U2 - 10.1111/fare.12603
DO - 10.1111/fare.12603
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85107344249
SN - 0197-6664
VL - 71
SP - 325
EP - 351
JO - Family Relations
JF - Family Relations
IS - 1
ER -