Counterfeit Social Capital and Mexican-American Underachievement

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert K. Ream
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Mexican Americans ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Educational Achievement ◽  
Student Mobility ◽  
High Mobility ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Social Implication ◽  
Racial Ethnic

A critical issue facing U.S. schools and one with broad social implication is the persistent disparity in educational achievement between racial/ethnic groups. The achievement gap may be particularly pronounced for Mexican-Americans who constitute the vast majority of U.S. Latinos and are among the most educationally at risk of all Latino subgroups. By employing mixed-methods research techniques, this study shows that social network instability accompanying high mobility rates may contribute to Mexican-American underachievement. Moreover, this investigation challenges wholly beneficial and ecumenical notions of social capital. Mexican-origin youth in possession of what on the surface appears to be a valued form of social currency may actually be the unwitting recipients of a form of counterfeit social capital that impinges on their school success. Efforts to reduce unnecessary and reactive student mobility and increase the stock of beneficial forms of social capital (while rooting out its impostors) may deserve policy consideration.

Mexican American Faculty in Research Universities: Can the Next Generation Beat the Odds?

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 458-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Enid Zambrana ◽  
Brianne A. Dávila ◽  
Michelle M. Espino ◽  
Lisa M. Lapeyrouse ◽  
R. Burciaga Valdez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Research Universities ◽  
Mexican Americans ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Educational Aspirations ◽  
Implicit Bias ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Study ◽  
Underrepresented Minority

Mexican Americans represent the largest Latina/o subpopulation and have the lowest levels of educational attainment in the United States. Mexican Americans are underrepresented in all professional fields, including academia, and thus warrant attention. The purposes of this study are to describe the experiences of early and mid-career Mexican American faculty, emphasizing key sources of inspiration, support, and mentoring, perceived discrimination, and their coping responses; assess the ways in which these factors influence their careers; and examine differences by gender and maternal education. Mixed methods were used to obtain information from 133 Mexican American faculty who participated in a larger national study of underrepresented minority (URM) faculty at research universities. Five major findings emerged: (1) early life course support sustained and encouraged educational aspirations, (2) mentorship from significant others provided valuable advice in developing social capital throughout higher education and early faculty experiences, (3) female respondents were more likely to report inadequate mentoring and higher levels of distress due to recurrent experiences of racially gendered discrimination, (4) strategies of resistance reveal high levels of emotional labor as respondents deconstruct the hidden curriculum to perform effectively in environments that are imbued with implicit bias, and (5) maternal education contributed to improved mentoring experiences and active resistance strategies. The findings suggest that expanding social capital–driven strategies and increasing understanding of persistent anti-Mexican social policy that leads to misidentification and implicit bias are key in retention and professional success for Mexican American faculty.

Prevalence and Trends in Periodontitis in the USA: from the NHANES III to the NHANES, 1988 to 2000

2005 ◽  
Vol 84 (10) ◽  
pp. 924-930 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.N. Borrell ◽  
B.A. Burt ◽  
G.W. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Mexican Americans ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Nhanes Iii ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Racial Ethnic ◽  
Hispanic White

Trends in periodontal diseases in the USA have been documented for years. However, the results have been mixed, mostly due to different periodontal assessment protocols. This study examined change in the prevalence of periodontitis between the NHANES III and the NHANES 1999–2000, and differences in the prevalence of periodontitis among racial/ethnic groups in the USA. Analysis was limited to non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white, and Mexican-American adults aged 18+ yrs in the NHANES III (n = 12,088) or the NHANES 1999–2000 (n = 3214). The prevalences of periodontitis for the NHANES III and the NHANES 1999–2000 were 7.3% and 4.2%, respectively. In multivariable analyses, blacks were 1.88 times (95%CI: 1.42, 2.50) more likely to have periodontitis than whites surveyed in the NHANES III. However, the odds of periodontitis for blacks and Mexican-Americans did not differ from those for whites surveyed in the NHANES 1999–2000. Our findings indicate that the prevalence of periodontitis has decreased between the NHANES III and the NHANES 1999–2000 for all racial/ethnic groups in the USA.

scholarly journals Trends in the Racial and Ethnic Disparity and Predictors of Hepatic Steatosis: Data From NHANES III and NHANES 2017–2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A31-A31
Author(s):  
Magda Shaheen ◽  
Deyu Pan ◽  
Katrina Schrode ◽  
Dulcie Kermah ◽  
Sonia Michael Najjar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Hepatic Steatosis ◽  
Mexican Americans ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Ethnic Disparity ◽  
Nhanes Iii ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Abstract Hepatic steatosis is a serious problem worldwide and it affects Hispanics at a higher rate than Blacks. This disparity is an important public health problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the trend in the racial/ethnic disparity of hepatic steatosis among a representative sample of the U.S. adult ≥20 years old in two time-periods. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988–1994) and NHANES 2017–2018 were analyzed. The sample size in the two respective cycles was 13,910 and 5,492 respectively. Hepatic steatosis in NHANES III was diagnosed using ultrasound while in NHANES 2017–2018, fibroscan was used. We analyzed the data using bivariate Chi square, and multiple logistic regression to adjusting for confounding variables and considering the design and sample weights. In both time-periods, Mexican American had the highest prevalence of hepatic steatosis (28% in NHANES III and 43% in NHANES 2017–2018) compared to the other racial/ethnic groups (p<0.05). In the adjusted logistic regression model, relative to the white population, Mexican-Americans had 40% higher odds of hepatic steatosis in NHANES III (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.4, 95% confidence level [CL]=1.1–1.9, p<0.05) and 200% higher odds of hepatic steatosis in NHANES 2017–2018 (AOR=2.0, 95% CL=1.3–3.1, p<0.05). The common predictors of hepatic steatosis in the two time periods were gender, high waist-to-hip ratio, borderline and high levels of triglyceride, and prediabetes and diabetes as diagnosed by HbA1c (p<0.05). For CRP, independent of the method used, mild and significant inflammation were predictors of hepatic steatosis (p<0.05). In NHANES 2017–2018, participants ≥ 65 years (compared to 20–34 years of age) and Blacks (relative to Whites) had a lower chance of hepatic steatosis in the adjusted regression model (p<0.05), and those inactive (relative to those who met the physical activity guideline) had a higher chance of hepatic steatosis (p<0.05). The increased prevalence of hepatic steatosis in 2017–2018 compared to 1988–1994, may be related to the obesity epidemic, although differences in methodological factors may also play a role. Our study indicated that the racial/ethnic disparity in hepatic steatosis especially among Mexican American persisted over time. Future work is needed to explore the persistence of the racial/ethnic disparity of hepatic steatosis and its underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals Sex-Specific Differences in the Association Between Race/Ethnicity and NAFLD Among US Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magda Shaheen ◽  
Katrina M. Schrode ◽  
Deyu Pan ◽  
Dulcie Kermah ◽  
Vishwajeet Puri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mexican Americans ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Multinomial Regression ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
The Us ◽  
Adjusted Model ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is spreading worldwide, with a racial/ethnic disparity. We examined the gender role in the racial/ethnic difference in NAFLD in the US population. We analyzed data for 3,292 individuals ≥18 years old from NHANES 2017–2018, a representative sample of the non-institutionalized adult population in the US. Exclusions were subjects with elevated transferrin level, chronic hepatitis B or C, excessive alcohol use, or prescription medications that might cause hepatic steatosis. NAFLD was diagnosed by FibroScan® using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values: S0 <238, S1 = 238–259, S2 = 260–290, S3 >290. Data were analyzed using Chi square and multinomial regression. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 47.9% [S2 = 16.1%, and S3 = 31.8%]. The prevalence of S3 was highest among Mexican Americans (46%), lowest among Blacks (22.7%), 29.9% in other Hispanics and 32.1% in Whites (p < 0.05). It was higher among Mexican American males (54.1%) compared to Mexican American females (37.7%) (p < 0.05). In the adjusted model, Mexican Americans were two times more likely than Whites to have S2 and S3 (p < 0.05). Only male Mexican Americans had higher odds of S2 and S3 relative to male White (p < 0.05). Males had higher odds of S3 relative to non-menopausal females (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the odds of S2 or S3 NAFLD among the menopausal females with or without hormone therapy relative to non-menopausal females (p > 0.05). While Mexican Americans had the highest prevalence of severe NAFLD relative to the other racial/ethnic groups, only male Mexican Americans, but not females, had higher likelihood of both moderate and severe NAFLD relative to Whites. Interventions that specifically target Mexican American males are needed to increase awareness about NAFLD and its prevention.

An ORBIT Phase 1: Design study of a citywide employer-based walking challenges in a predominantly Mexican American metropolitan area

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910532097765
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Salinas ◽  
Roy Valenzuela ◽  
Jon Sheen ◽  
Malcolm Carlyle ◽  
Jennifer Gay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mexican Americans ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
El Paso ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Obesity Intervention ◽  
Physical Activity Recommendations ◽  
Orbit Model ◽  
Activity Recommendations

Most Mexican-Americans do not meet current physical activity recommendations. This paper uses the ORBIT model of obesity intervention development as a framework to outline the process of establishing three employer-based walking challenges in El Paso, Texas, a predominantly Mexican American community. The walking challenges were planned and implemented through the Border Coalition for Fitness and participating partnering organizations. Over 2000 participants and several employers took part in the walking challenges. Results from this ORBIT Phase 1 design intervention suggest that walking challenges are a feasible approach to increase physical activity in Mexican-Americans.

scholarly journals The Bridging Activity of Multiracial Congregations

Religions ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 204
Author(s):  
Edward Polson ◽  
Rachel Gillespie
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Ethnic Diversity ◽  
Social Trust ◽  
Ethnic Composition ◽  
Religious Congregations ◽  
Bridging Social Capital ◽  
Service Programs ◽  
Multiracial Congregations ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Racial Ethnic

The growing diversity of U.S. communities has led scholars to explore how racial/ethnic diversity effects social capital, civic engagement, and social trust. Less is known about the relationship between diversity and the work of community-based organizations (CBOs). In this study, we examine how the racial/ethnic composition of one ubiquitous type of CBO, religious congregations, is related to measures of organizational bridging social capital. Analyzing data collected through a census of congregations in one Midwestern county, we explore the relationship between racial/ethnic diversity and the bridging activity of religious congregations. We find that multiracial congregations are more likely to be involved with externally focused service programs, tend to support a larger number of programs, and report more interorganizational collaborators than other congregations. Our findings suggest that multiracial congregations can provide a valuable resource for increasingly diverse communities and civil society.

What Does It Mean To Be Mexican (American)? Exploring Youth Ethnic Identity

2021 ◽  
pp. 001100002098530
Author(s):  
Halleh Hashtpari ◽  
Karen W. Tao ◽  
Kritzia Merced ◽  
Joél Arvizo-Zavala ◽  
James Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Identity ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Academic Outcomes ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
Interview Protocol ◽  
Ethnic Pride ◽  
Mexican American Youth ◽  
Racial Ethnic ◽  
Minimal Research

Children’s racial (e.g., Black, White, Indigenous) and ethnic (e.g., Mexican) identity can influence psychological, social, and academic outcomes. Despite evidence that awareness of racial–ethnic marginalization begins during preadolescence, there is minimal research examining how children talk about identity at this age. The purpose of this study was to examine how preadolescent Mexican American youth conceptualize “who they are.” Specifically, we used the Ethnic-Perspective Taking Ability interview protocol to explore how Mexican American youth, ages 9–11, understand their ethnicity. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: Self as “Other,” Self as Invisible, Self as a Politicized Being, and Self as Community. Participants discussed feeling out of place, often feeling excluded by Whiteness, and needing to code switch. These experiences also were juxtaposed with a sense of ethnic pride and comfort. Implications for practice, advocacy, education, and research are offered.

Measuring Attitudes and Health Beliefs Among Mexican Americans With Diabetes

1994 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terri Schwab ◽  
Julie Meyer ◽  
Rosa Merrell
Keyword(s):  
Health Beliefs ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
Mexican Americans ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Important Variable ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Belief Model

Adherence to the treatment regimen for patients with diabetes is of major concern to healthcare practitioners, particularly when dealing with the high-risk, low-income, Mexican-American population. Assessing the attitudes and beliefs of this group is vital for planning effective and realistic intervention strategies. Therefore, we designed a culturally sensitive instrument to measure health beliefs and attitudes of low-income Mexican Americans with diabetes. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used as a basis for this study because it is well accepted as a predictor of health-related behaviors. However, we found that the HBM was not an effective tool for assessing the health beliefs or attitudes of this patient population even after rigorous efforts to operationalize the HBM and after conducting extensive statistical analyses. Only two of the five subscales of the traditional HBM, barriers and benefits, were reliable. Scales to measure acculturation and fatalism were added to increase the cultural sensitivity of the tool. These added components were found to be an important variable in interpreting the results for low-income Mexican-American patients.

The Ambivalent Minority: Mexican Americans and the Voting Rights Act

1994 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Skerry
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Mexican Americans ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
San Antonio ◽  
Voting Rights Act ◽  
News Magazine ◽  
The People ◽  
Political Orientations ◽  
Rich History

In the countless conversations about U.S. immigration policy that I have had with Mexican Americans of varied backgrounds and political orientations, seldom have my interlocutors failed to remind me that “We were here first,” or that “This was our land and you stole it from us.” Even a moderate Mexican American politician like former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros sounds the same theme in a national news magazine:It is no accident that these regions have the names they do—Los Angeles, San Francisco, Colorado, Montana.…It is a rich history that Americans have been led to believe is an immigrant story when, in fact, the people who built this area in the first place were Hispanics.

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