Chicana Adolescents: Bitches, 'Ho's, and Schoolgirls

by Lisa C. Dietrich

Overview

An examination of the cultural values of working class Chicana adolescents with an emphasis on the social, political, and economic factors that shape these cultural values. This book addresses a gap in the literature on youth gangs and youth culture by examining the motivations and issues of gang affiliation, teen pregnancy, and academic failure from the point-of-view of teenage girls. Furthermore, the book emphasizes female participation in gangs as well as the impact that gangs have on non- participating adolescents. The author also discusses how current public policy is based on erroneous assumptions associated with the culture of poverty model.

This book attempts to explain what appears to be self-defeating behavior of many Chicana adolescents. It explores the logic underlying their life choices and examines the connection between these choices and larger social processes. This book will be of interest to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty in ethnic studies, multicultural studies, Hispanic Studies, Sociology, and Women's Studies. In addition social service professionals and related professionals will find it helpful.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275961541
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	04/23/1998
Series:	Praeger Series in Political
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Lisa C. Dietrich received her PhD in cultural anthropology from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. She is presently preparing to relocate to Santiago, Chile with her husband and son to continue her research.

Table of Contents

Introduction
The Pragmatics of Culture
Setting and Methodology
The Girls in the "Hood"
Machismo and Femeninidad
Bitches, Ho's, and Schoolgirls
Sex and Love
Chicanas and Schooling
Girls and Gangs
LAS SUREÑAS LOCAS
Conclusion
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Provides a socio-cultural examination of family, education, sexuality, identity, gang culture, and other issues, based on the author's detailed study of dozens of Chicana adolescents in a working-class neighborhood in southern California. Throughout, the author integrates recent scholarship and offers sympathetic insight into the lives of Latina adolescents. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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