Challenges and Strengths of Immigrant Latino Families in the Rural Midwest

Marcela Raffaelli, Angela R. Wiley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study assessed challenges and strengths reported by 112 Latin American immigrant mothers in rural Illinois communities. Respondents (mean age = 34.5 years; 93% Mexican) took part in structured interviews that covered a range of topics relevant to their families and the broader Latino community. These Latina mothers emphasized language, documentation, and economic issues as key challenges for immigrants. Some challenges decreased with time in the United States but others remained salient among long-term residents. Respondents described an array of individual assets and social resources used by Latino families to confront challenges. The findings suggest opportunities for practitioners to disseminate information about available formal services and resources through existing informal networks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)347-372
Number of pages26
JournalJournal of Family Issues
Volume34
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2013

Keywords

  • Latinos
  • immigrants
  • needs assessment
  • rural
  • service utilization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Challenges and Strengths of Immigrant Latino Families in the Rural Midwest'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this