Search Results

Author: Torres, Marcia G.
Resulting in 2 citations.
1. Torres, Marcia G.
Characteristics and Coping Styles of Young Hispanic Mothers Involved in Education and/or Work: A Descriptive Profile
Ph.D. Dissertation, City University of New York, 1982
Cohort(s): NLSY79
Publisher: UMI - University Microfilms, Bell and Howell Information and Learning
Keyword(s): Hispanics; Language Problems; Racial Differences; Role Models

The objective of this study was to develop a profile of young hispanic mothers who were enrolled in school and/or employed in the labor force. This consisted of their general characteristics, their educational, occupational, and motherhood experiences (actual accomplishments, attitudes, ideals, aspirations, expectations, role models and environmental barriers in each category). Subjects' sense of individual control over their lives as well as their family role attitudes were also explored. The sample consisted of all mothers (44 hispanics, 114 blacks, and 181 whites) who were employed and/or enrolled and who were interviewed in the 1979 NLSY. All questions relating to the areas of interest to the present study were drawn from the NLS list of items. Chi-Square analysis was used to determine significant response differences across the three groups. Additionally Chi-Square analysis with Bonferroni Protection was applied where appropriate. Although responses from all three groups were examined, the main focus of the study was on the hispanic group. Through its cross-cultural perspective, the study supported more recent research which indicates that young women facing the considerable responsibilities of motherhood do aspire to achieve. The results did not support the assumptions in the literature that hispanic women are more rigid about family roles than are women from other cultures, nor that hispanic women have a more externalized sense of control. The findings did add support to the hypothesis that hispanic women face external barriers, some of which they share with the other two cultures, others only with blacks, and still others they carry alone (e.g., language, stressors of immigration, etc.).
Bibliography Citation
Torres, Marcia G. Characteristics and Coping Styles of Young Hispanic Mothers Involved in Education and/or Work: A Descriptive Profile. Ph.D. Dissertation, City University of New York, 1982.
2. Torres, Marcia G.
Young Hispanic Mothers Enrolled in School and/or Employed in the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of the Labor Force
Report to the National Council of La Raza, U.S. Department of Labor, 1982
Cohort(s): NLSY79
Publisher: U.S. Department of Labor
Keyword(s): Educational Aspirations/Expectations; Family Influences; Hispanics; Marital Status; Motherhood; Role Models; Teenagers

This study focuses on young Hispanic mothers' experiences and shows that these women did not demonstrate a motivation to become mothers at an earlier age than whites or blacks. They did, however, tend to leave school for family related reasons (pregnancy, marriage, etc.) and they were more likely to be married and to remain married. Although the majority were born in the United States, a large minority were born outside the U.S. and 89 percent spoke Spanish in their childhood. Most were raised as Catholics and continued to practice. Among those who were active outside the home, most worked and expressed a desire to continue working in the future even if they did not have economic need. They were also very interested in additional job training, aspired to obtain better jobs in the future and felt optimistic about being able to do so. If their families encountered economic problems in the future, they strongly preferred other alternatives than going on welfare, and they were almost 100 percent opposed to considering such alternatives as shoplifting to alleviate their problems. Although these young mothers had limited role models for educational achievements, they had very positive attitudes toward school and aspired to complete college successfully. The majority, however, left high school before graduating, usually due to family related or financial problems.
Bibliography Citation
Torres, Marcia G. "Young Hispanic Mothers Enrolled in School and/or Employed in the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of the Labor Force." Report to the National Council of La Raza, U.S. Department of Labor, 1982.