Latinas are now the largest minority group of girls in the country. Yet the research about this group is sparse, and there is a lack of information to guide studies, services or education for the rapidly growing Latino population across the U.S. The existing research has focused on stereotypical perceptions of Latinas as frequently dropping out of school, becoming teen mothers, or being involved with boyfriends in gangs. Latina Girls brings together cutting edge research that challenges these stereotypes. At the same time, the volume offers solid data and suggestions for practical intervention for those who study and work to support this population. It highlights the challenges these young women face, as well as the ways in which they successfully negotiate those challenges. The volume includes research on Latinas and their relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners; academics; career goals; identity; lifelong satisfaction; and the ways in which they navigate across cultures and gender roles. Latina Girls is the first book to pull together research on the overall strengths and strategies that characterize Latina adolescents' lives in the U.S. It will be of key interest and practical use to those who study and work with Latina youth.
1 Introduction: Latina Girls Transforming Cultures, Contexts, and Selves Jill Denner and Bianca L. GuzmanPart 1: Negotiating Family Relationships2 Los Papas, La Familia y La Sexualidad 3 Con?anza, Consejos, and Contradictions4 La Casa: Negotiating Family Cultural Practices, Constructing Identities 5 Promoting Values of Education in Latino Mother-Adolescent Discussions about Con?ict and SexualityPart 2 : Overcoming Institutional Barriers6 Resistance to Race and Gender Oppression: Dominican High School Girls in New York City 7 La Escuela8 Latina Adolescents' Career Goals: Resources for Overcoming Obstacles 9 Career Expectations and Goals of Latina AdolescentsPart 3: Accessing Institutional Support10 Latina Adolescents' Sexual Health11 "Cien Porciento Puertorriquena" (Puerto Rican,100 Percent) 12 Getting Connected: The Expanding Use of Technology among Latina GirlsPart 4 : Developing Initiative13 La Felicidad: Predictors of Life Satisfaction and Well-Being among Latina Girls14 La Salud: Latina Adolescents Constructing Identities, Negotiating Health Decisions15 Latina Adolescent Motherhood: A Turning Point? 16 Conclusion: Latina Girls, Social Science, and TransformationAbout the Contributors Index
