Latino Immigrant Parents'Socialization of Children to Education

This ethnographic study centers on ways Latino immigrant parents in a Southern California urban community socialize their children towards education. This research illustrates the role of parental socialization in the education of Latino children. The focus is on 9 families with children ranging in age from nine months to adult-aged. Data collection proceeded over one year and included observations, interviews, and questionnaires. Findings showed that Latino immigrant families contribute to the education of their school-aged children in ways that are generally unrecognized by schools and teachers. This research adds to an understanding that most families, although different culturally, do struggle to do the best for their children in a spirit of love and caring. It encourages educators to understand and build upon these parents' current forms of participation to develop a model for active collaboration between parents and schools.